Queen & Slim (2019)

Director: Melina Matsoukas

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine
Runtime: 132 minutes

Synopsis: A couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over.

Performances: 7/10
Screenplay: 4/10
Editing: 4/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

Verdict: Disappointing. After a solid start that sets the ground for a very heavy narrative tackling ongoing social issues, the film deviates into something not nearly as interesting or relevant. It becomes a Bonny & Clyde sort of road trip, a bonding journey between two characters that never leaves its comfort zone. It was long, taking way too many unnecessary detours that made the over 2-hour long drag much more than it needed to. I couldn't get behind many of the characters' decisions despite some pretty good performances, nor the convenience and cheesiness of some of the events, all of which further lessened the experience to me. Overall, I found "Queen & Slim" to be a massive missed opportunity that took the dull and easy route instead of delivering on its initial, much more gripping premise.

FINAL GRADE: 5/10