Antebellum (2020)
R – disturbing violent content, language, and sexual references | 1h 45min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller | Now available on Blu-ray, 4K, DVD, and streaming
Synopsis: Successful author Veronica Henley finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late.
(continued) What is interesting about the film is that it doesn’t try hard to hide the clues and twists. If you figure it out in the first 20-minutes or it takes you half the film; neither takes away from the experience. We first meet Eden (Janelle Monáe) as a slave on a Civil War plantation, during the opening montage that sets the pace for the brutality that is to come. The plantation owners are sadistic and the slaves are not allowed to speak to each other or unless spoken to by a white person. The setting isn’t scary for the horror is palpable.
Once you get settled in to the surroundings the film quickly throws us a twist as we meet Veronica Henley (also Janelle Monáe). Veronica is a successful, modern day author and activist. Along with several books her fame comes from speaking engagements and network news debates. Her goal is to empower black women to rise above and overcome the obstacles in their path.
It is this companionship between the Eden of the past and the Veronica of the now that you have to figure out along the way. For some the realization will be fast but don’t worry if you get it wrong the first few times. I swung and missed at my first attempt. To be honest I liked their outcome better than my own. I do not want to speak too much about it and I even suggest that viewers go in as unknowing as possible.
Is it scary? No. Not really. Not in the traditional sense of horror films. It is creepy and chilling at times. The villains in this film – past and present – are eerie and savage. They are created in a way and acted solidly so that they will give you the willies. You know who to hate and that hate is intense. The horror for me is watching the slave owners abuse those on the plantation. I say this in any film of this nature I watch. I am always angered and disgusted by the way that one set of humans can treat another set of humans. To be only 3 or 4 generations removed from such savagery is sickening. Then to know that it still exists but covered up in social graces by polite society makes this film even more frightening to see.
Do be aware going in that there are some huge plot holes and scenarios that will leave you a little unsatisfied going out. There were moments I had to push down the questions for fear it would take me out of the moment. Even though the final moments will have you on your feet cheering and fist pumping it also will feel a tad abrupt. Also, you have to deal with the character, Dawn (Gabourey Sidibe). I am not sure if it was how Dawn is written or how Sidibe is directed – because I know she is a better actor than what we see here – but it just didn’t work and were my least favorite moments of the film. Dawn is supposed to add a bit of humor but it comes off unbelievable and forced. There is nothing fluid or organic about her delivery and it is, well, just annoying. More so in the light of the rest of the film and the powerful characters and narrative.
Janelle nails both characters and the way she has to carry herself in the different roles is worth noting and applauding. Her natural strength comes through in every scene, even when she is most vulnerable. I don’t want to mention the performances of Jena Malone, Eric Lange, and Jack Huston because I was so mad at their characters. But I guess if they can make me despise them that much it has t0 be good acting.
I give the film a B- mainly due to the inconsistencies and holes I mentioned. Antebellum is rated R and certainly for adult audiences.
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