Queen & Slim: A Brown & Black Analysis

In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.

This week we take a closer look at ‘Queen & Slim’ by Lena Waithe and Afro-Latina Melina Matsoukas. We’ll dive deep into its various elements and analyze it from different perspectives.

Episode Breakdown:
Segment 1: The Cultural Significance of Queen & Slim
In this segment, Mike, who follows writer #LenaWaithe and director #MelinaMatsoukas, was deeply moved by the film and its commentary on the Black experience in America. He felt the film showed the reality that Black people face, where they can have their lives at risk when they encounter police. Jack, who was less aware of the racial context in 2017, was moved by the film’s beauty and aesthetics, but it became more powerful to him on the rewatch post-Floyd. 

Segment 2: The Black Male Experience Watching Queen & Slim
In this segment, Mike says that of all the films they have watched for #BlackHistoryMonth, this one had the most emotional impact on him. He expresses his fear as a Black person due to the countless videos of police brutality and violence against #Black people. Jack talks about how Slim represents the Black man who values family and home, while Queen is more detached from her family. They also explore the choices and challenges that Black men face in America, and how they shape their identity in the film.

Segment 3: The Deeper Conversation of Queen & Slim
Mike reflects on the powerful and thought-provoking message of the film and how it’s a protest art that reflects the times, how it’s an ode to Blackness, and how it travels the racial psyche of America. He also highlights how the film makes him feel as a Black man, especially in light of the recent news of #TyreNichols. Jack shares his thoughts on the film, discussing how it made him feel as a #Latino in a system not designed for people of color. He reflects on his journey to understanding the plight of #BlackAmerica, admitting he once lived in a fantasy bubble not wanting to confront the dark history of this country. 

Segment 4: The Movie Conversation of Queen & Slim
In this segment, Jack and Mike discuss the various elements that make Queen & Slim excellent. They emphasize the writing and acting, particularly the dialogue between the two main characters. Mike touches on the political and social themes present in the film, highlighting the writer’s understanding of the Black experience in #America. Jack also mentions the film’s director, Melina Matsoukas, and her background as an #AfroLatina with a diverse cultural heritage. He highlights Matsoukas’ use of fashion, photography, literature, class, society, and politics to create a glamor aesthetic in her films and believes Matsoukas is going to win an Oscar.

If you’re a big fan of ‘Queen & Slim,’ join our discussions all month long.

Sign up for the #UniversalPictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. All films mentioned are available to own on Digital and Disc.