Universal Pictures
Queen & Slim opened in theaters over the Thanksgiving weekend and it was one of my most anticipated films for the remaining of the year. Ever since seeing Daniel Kaluuya in Get Out, I’ve been excited to see him in more films. I find him to be a very talented actor and when I saw the trailer for Queen & Slim, I knew he would give another fantastic performance. Queen & Slim requires a lot from Kaluuya as well as co-star Jodi Turner-Smith whose first date takes an unexpected turn when a policeman stops the two for a minor traffic violation. The situation turns for the worse and Slim shoots the police officer after Queen was shot in the leg. Queen and Slim go on the run from the law while also trying to learn about each other along the way.
The progression for Queen and Slim’s relationship is something that feels new since they don’t know each other well, but turns into something beautiful. Both Queen and Slim crave human connection amidst them being on the run. While trying to remain low and safe, both Queen and Slim are vulnerable and open up with one another. Watching them interact is both beautiful and devastating knowing that their time may come to an end at the end of the film. These are characters that you want to see survive because of the relationship that was built during the movie.
Daniel Kaluuya and Jodi Turner-Smith give some of the best performances of the year. Kaluuya tries to remain calm during their situation by doing such things as going dancing one night. Queen on the other remains tense throughout the film but when she joins Slim in things that can be risky, watching her enjoy herself feel genuine. Both Kaluuya and Turner-Smith give powerful performances that led to a chemistry that is deserving on a title named after their characters.
Queen & Slim had a lot to offer regarding society, police, love, and protesting. Every aspect of this movie from the love between Queen and Slim to the intense moments of them on the run was all handled well. Queen & Slim was both equally beautiful as it was haunting. Few films come along that spark such emotions that feels bleak throughout. I was floored by the performances in a film that was heartbreaking to watch. Queen & Slim will remain a film that stays on my mind for years to come.
Queen & Slim has a run time of 2 hours 12 minutes and has is rated R for violence, some strong sexuality, nudity, pervasive language, and brief drug use.
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