Thoughts on the movie “Antebellum”
Antebellum is a physiological thriller that runs at an hour and forty-five minutes and is priced at $19.99 to rent along all streaming services. That being said, I believe this movie is worth the watch.
Though I have to say I do not enjoy watching slavery in films because it really desensitizes the realities of it. I think slavery in general is shown too much in film. People of color have to be reminded of how not too long ago, our lives were very different. I hate being reminded of how shitty this world has been to African Americans.
As an African American man, the movie really speaks to the challenges women of color face in this country. I believe they are the most marginalized people in our history. The movie gives several perspectives of black women and what they go through living in this country.
One of those perspectives is the evolution of black women and what they need to be today to protect themselves. I believe the character Bridget, played by Gabourey Sidibe, represented this the most. While watching, a friend commented how abrasive Bridget is during the movie. Having friends that are similar to her, I completely understand why Bridget can show such regard for others. As described by Veronica/Eden, played by Janelle Monáe, black women grow up feeling undervalued and unappreciated. By European beauty standards, they are not considered as beautiful as their white counterparts. This is exemplified when a new round of slaves are brought to the plantation during the movie. Sarah, a white woman played by Lily Cowles, and her daughter inspect all of the slaves. The scene illustrates the stark difference in wealth and beauty between black women and white women. Sarah and her daughter are well dressed in bright colors while the black women are wearing clothing that is torn and falling off of them. I believe this represents what black women are up against in terms of being considered beautiful in their own skin. I believe this battle has developed their demeanor over the years.
They are often treated as objects that can easily be thrown away or disregarded. An example of this is in the beginning scene when a woman is being torn apart from her husband. She is then chased by men on horses and is eventually captured and killed from point blank range. The men then tie her neck to a horse and drag her body to a crematory where it is burned and leaves no remains. I believe this represents the idea that black women can be killed and erased from existence by men. Another example is the character, Shoshanna meadows, played by Kiersey Clemons. Her character is pregnant and becomes a captured slave who is given the name Julia by Sarah’s daughter. While at the plantation, Sarah is beaten several times although she is pregnant with her child. Ultimately, she loses the baby and commits suicide. I believe this represents a black woman not having a choice in what happens to her and her family.
During the movie, the setting shifts from the Antebellum era to modern day. This is probably one of my favorite parts of the movie because it depicts Veronica as a strong black woman owning her life. A perfect example of this is the portrait on the wall above her bed in her bedroom. This portrait usually depicts The Notorious B.I.G. wearing a crown, one of the greatest MCs to ever rap. However, this portrait features a black woman wearing the crown. I believe this represents the strength and power that black women possess and deserve to be regarded as.
The juxtaposition between the movie and what has been occurring this year in America is incredibly relevant. In the modern setting of the movie, Veronica wrote a book about how slavery is written into the DNA of this country. The idea that assimilation has severely affected people of color for hundreds of years. The concept of fitting into a culture we were never supposed to fit into.
The film successfully creates a mirror between slavery and how it still exists today. This has been a historic year in regards to social justice. Social media has elevated our awareness of the struggles of being black in America. It seems more than ever that we’re on the same page as a nation. However, this movie serves as a reminder that we’re not. There is a reason Donald Trump won the office in 2016. Trump’s tolerated sensibility is an example of how Antebellum culture is ingrained in this country’s DNA, especially in politics. It’s almost as if people believe the President is not a racist, sexist, misogynistic, and homophobic man. However, before the confederate general died, he told Eden/Veronica that people like him are everywhere.
Unfortunately, I believe he’s right. Our heroes have always been killed by police brutality. Their sacrifices have always been the reason why our nation becomes just a little more woke. How many more people have to die for there to be more change?