Uncategorized
https://blacknerdproblems.com/umbrella-academy-final-season-review/
So even before I begin this review, I want to say something. I was highly disappointed in what they did with Allison’s character during the previous season of Umbrella Academy, and even more so with the writers and actors who agreed to do that scene. It was unnecessary and only showed just how dangerous someone with Allison’s power can be. It left such a bad taste in my mouth that I was just ready for the season to be over, and I was not and have not been excited for this final season. I’ve watched every season with my best friend, and that, at this point, was the biggest motivator to finish it; just to have that time to meet up and watch it together.
Now, with that said….
Spoilers incoming like a bad weather warning
The Last Rainfall
At the end of the previous season, the Umbrella Academy had been yeeted into a new timeline without their marigold (the alien substance sent out by Sir Reginald that entered their mothers and “created” them). Now, they were just regular degular while their alien father was still out there; this time with his wife Abagail alive.
In this timeline without their powers, the Umbrella Academy have each gone about their new, normal lives. Diego and Lila are married with 3 kids, Luther is a stripper, Five works for the CIA, Allison is a struggling actress and Klaus lives with her and her daughter Claire, Viktor owns a bar and lives in Canada, and Ben is in (getting out) of prison for a crypto scheme. We see that each has settled into this new life of theirs, but with a shorten season of only 6 episodes you know the shits gotta kick off quick, and it starts with our introduction to Jean and Gene.
Drs. Gene and Jean Thibedeau are a husband-and-wife duo who lead a cult called The Keepers. Their cult believes that they are seeing images of their “original” lives on a different timeline and have been collecting artifacts from this other timeline. They have named this the “Umbrella Affect.” Five and Lila, both in disguise (Five undercover for the CIA and Lila because she is bored of her domestic life) are the first ones to discover this truth about them and something the call “the Cleanse.”
Throughout the short season, things must quickly unravel and be revealed. One is that the Cleanse is connected to a girl named Jennifer, who is being hidden away by this version of Sir Reginald in a town that is completely run by his security. We find out that he (their OG Sir Reginald) is keeping her away from them because if she comes in contact with any of Umbrella Academy (and likely anyone with) the marigold that created them will react with the durango inside Jennifer and end existence itself. (Side note: Durango was an accidental creation of Abigail, the wife of Sir Reginald, when she created marigold.)
So, the race is on to stop the end of the world…again…or maybe we just let it ride….
The End of the Rain
As you may be able to tell from my opening, I went into this season with not the highest of expectations. I can say that I enjoyed the ride, but I’m glad it’s over for several reasons. I don’t know what they would have been able to do with a 10-episode season like they had with the previous 3 seasons but maybe it would have been better than what this was. So let me talk about my feelings, and I start with the ending.
The ending was…interesting. I remember my best friend remarked that Klaus saying, “I love you guys, but you are all assholes,” followed by all of them laughing was the most “them” way for them to go out on. I fully agree with that, even if I am disappointed with the end basically being that as along as you all exist everything will just start over. So, the Umbrella Academy must allow themselves (the marigold inside them) and Jennifer (the durango inside her) to come together and be destroyed. This is to completely wipe them from existence. Literally, they will never have existed at all on any timeline, in any way. It is actually a somewhat easy decision for most of them. Allison, Lila, and Diego are the only ones with kids they have to make the hard choice to say goodbye to before they are sent on a magical train to a different timeline. (More on that later)
Because the show was ending, I could tell this moment was more like, let’s just get this over with. Lila was the only hold out, and she, of course, comes back. I wish that they went out fighting. This was a series ending that just felt flat to me after waiting 2 years. However, I guess that is the contrast to the ending of the last 3 seasons. Instead of fighting the end to save the world, they must save the world by, together, accepting their ultimate end.
Soaking Wet
My feelings on the ending of Umbrella Academy are probably the most positive I have about this season, because I had some REAL problems with this final season.
Starting with Ben, his portrayal, and his ending, I was disappointed to have not finally gotten the Ben we saw in seasons 1 & 2 truly be able to interact with his family. For so long, I wanted Ben to be able to be that 1st and 2nd season Ben in the flesh, but instead the 3rd season gave us moody Ben and the final season gave us crypto bro Ben. I am glad we finally got to see what happened to Ben and how he died in our OG timeline, but who was the Ben we saw on the train at the end of season three, and why was he smiling? That was a big plot moment that was never revisited, and I feel whatever was planned for that could have been so much better or at least given us something more for this final season. Was it just a moment to show that other timelines exist? Because we already knew that. In the end, it felt like a hype moment we never got a resolution to nor did we get the Ben of seasons 1 & 2.
All that Water, No Where to Go
I’m sure we can all agree that we were happy to finally get the moment where Viktor spewed his guts out onto Sir Reginald for everything that was done to him by the man…alien…alien man…and the moment we got was needed but far too late. The catharsis of Viktor finally wanting to be in control and free of all the hurt and pain was beautiful. It was an exceptional use of his powers to literally make (this) Sir Reginald listen and submit. And I know I have to acknowledge that because this was the last season, they knew they had to get this moment in somehow; however, that doesn’t mean I have to like it or its placement. This was a conversation that definitely should have taken place last season. Was the moment necessary? Yes. Was it too late? Even more yes.
Now, you wanna know what was WHOLLY UNNECESSARY?
KLAUS!!
This season really failed Klaus. He had nothing that stood out about him other than being a conduit for ghost-human sex. What really blew me was him immediately going back to drugs once he had the marigold inside him again. I get that it was trouble, but the last time we saw him in season 3 he showed that he had control over his powers. His immediate 180 didn’t make sense to me, because we don’t see anything “haunting” him. In fact, the only ghosts we saw were the aforementioned ghost-human sex and a ghost dog who saves Klaus’ life. Honestly, if Klaus did nothing this season, nothing would be missed or gained. He really was unnecessary. It was a far and away difference from the Klaus we saw in earlier seasons, especially the beautiful moments (and tragic lost) we saw him experience in season 2. The only shining Klaus moment was his final love you, fuck you at the end.
90’s/Early 00s Male R&B Singing in the Rain Music Video Vibes
There were two relationships in this season and neither really made sense. Ben and Jennifer’s connection was something. I wasn’t really sure why the squid was a connecting symbol for them, and it starts with us never getting an explanation as to why Jennifer was inside the squid in the first place. Abagail said that when she created marigold that durango was created, and it is inside Jennifer. But how? Sir Reginald released the marigold into the world, and that is how the Umbrellas were created/born. We don’t get how this happened with Jennifer. Did the squid swallow her mother at the moment the durango entered her, or did the durango just go into the squid? Is she the only creation/outcome/birth due to durango? How would/could we know? My focus was on that more than what was actually happening between Ben and Jennifer, which once again took away from Ben and made their “love affair” null and void for me. (Jennifer’s character also feels like just a random sacrifice or means to an (literal) end here. And I guess we had that same thing with Harlen last season as well.)
I believe that the writers should have stuck with a point that Gene and Jean were kind of onto when they talked about being from a different timeline. I think a concept that could have been fleshed out and used for this final season is that they have created so many branching timelines that they are now beginning to bleed over and smash into each other. We could have gotten to see other versions of them fighting to save to world, we could have seen other “Academies” (which we did get a quick glimpse at with the Phoenix Academy that we saw Lila and Five meet while exploring where the ‘time’ train went). Also, Lila and Five could have seen timelines smashing and destroying each other to create even more of a sense of urgency for the viewer. (This could have answered a question I had about what happened to the Sparrows and other marigold kids in other timelines or the one that they are currently in.) This still would have set it up for the ending that the only way to fix everything is for it to return to the one original timeline, one before (?) they were born, because as long as their marigold and Jennifer’s durango exist, they will continue to destroy and splinter the timeline.
Now speaking of Lila and Five, I agree with pretty much everyone else that that relationship didn’t need to happen. It wasn’t something that anyone expected or asked for and watching their love affair side story just felt messy and unappealing. Five was a fan favorite for many and watching him not only moving in on his brother’s wife but also having to be the one to go and get her because Diego couldn’t was not the way many would have seen the end of his story. They could have spent that side story trying to explore the dying timelines for clues to save their own. Of course, a level of comradery would grow between them, but it really shouldn’t have gone beyond that. Five and Lila’s relationship was probably the thing I cared about the least this whole season, and honestly for a final season of a show that started with great promise, it was a sad ending to say the least.
Final random thought: I feel so bad for Luther that the only job he could get without his super strength was a lunch time stripper.
The Rain Clouds have Parted
I remember being asked if I wanted to do an early review of Umbrella Academy before its Netflix premiere in 2019. The premise was right up my alley, and I immediately said yes. I wasn’t completely thrilled by the first few episodes, but returned for the last few and enjoyed it overall. I would go on to write about the 2nd season but the 3rd season hurt me so much I didn’t review it. However, with 3 out of 4 season reviews, I’ve semi-done my first review of a full show from beginning to ending. I wish Umbrella Academy had an ending that gave a bit more, but they gave us an ending that made sense in the very least; though, it was a very messy, muddy path to get there. I don’t really give ratings to shows, but I’ll return to watch some episodes (probably in the first two seasons). And I’m not mad that I stood in the rain with my umbrella these last four seasons.
Cover image via Netflix
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you?
Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram!
The post One Last Rainfall: ‘Umbrella Academy’ Final Season Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
So even before I begin this review, I want to say something. I was highly disappointed in what they did with Allison’s character during the previous season of Umbrella Academy, and even more so with the writers and actors who agreed to do that scene. It was unnecessary and only showed just how dangerous someone with Allison’s power can be. It left such a bad taste in my mouth that I was just ready for the season to be over, and I was not and have not been excited for this final season. I’ve watched every season with my best friend, and that, at this point, was the biggest motivator to finish it; just to have that time to meet up and watch it together.
Now, with that said….
Spoilers incoming like a bad weather warning
The Last Rainfall
At the end of the previous season, the Umbrella Academy had been yeeted into a new timeline without their marigold (the alien substance sent out by Sir Reginald that entered their mothers and “created” them). Now, they were just regular degular while their alien father was still out there; this time with his wife Abagail alive.
In this timeline without their powers, the Umbrella Academy have each gone about their new, normal lives. Diego and Lila are married with 3 kids, Luther is a stripper, Five works for the CIA, Allison is a struggling actress and Klaus lives with her and her daughter Claire, Viktor owns a bar and lives in Canada, and Ben is in (getting out) of prison for a crypto scheme. We see that each has settled into this new life of theirs, but with a shorten season of only 6 episodes you know the shits gotta kick off quick, and it starts with our introduction to Jean and Gene.
Drs. Gene and Jean Thibedeau are a husband-and-wife duo who lead a cult called The Keepers. Their cult believes that they are seeing images of their “original” lives on a different timeline and have been collecting artifacts from this other timeline. They have named this the “Umbrella Affect.” Five and Lila, both in disguise (Five undercover for the CIA and Lila because she is bored of her domestic life) are the first ones to discover this truth about them and something the call “the Cleanse.”
Throughout the short season, things must quickly unravel and be revealed. One is that the Cleanse is connected to a girl named Jennifer, who is being hidden away by this version of Sir Reginald in a town that is completely run by his security. We find out that he (their OG Sir Reginald) is keeping her away from them because if she comes in contact with any of Umbrella Academy (and likely anyone with) the marigold that created them will react with the durango inside Jennifer and end existence itself. (Side note: Durango was an accidental creation of Abigail, the wife of Sir Reginald, when she created marigold.)
So, the race is on to stop the end of the world…again…or maybe we just let it ride….
The End of the Rain
As you may be able to tell from my opening, I went into this season with not the highest of expectations. I can say that I enjoyed the ride, but I’m glad it’s over for several reasons. I don’t know what they would have been able to do with a 10-episode season like they had with the previous 3 seasons but maybe it would have been better than what this was. So let me talk about my feelings, and I start with the ending.
The ending was…interesting. I remember my best friend remarked that Klaus saying, “I love you guys, but you are all assholes,” followed by all of them laughing was the most “them” way for them to go out on. I fully agree with that, even if I am disappointed with the end basically being that as along as you all exist everything will just start over. So, the Umbrella Academy must allow themselves (the marigold inside them) and Jennifer (the durango inside her) to come together and be destroyed. This is to completely wipe them from existence. Literally, they will never have existed at all on any timeline, in any way. It is actually a somewhat easy decision for most of them. Allison, Lila, and Diego are the only ones with kids they have to make the hard choice to say goodbye to before they are sent on a magical train to a different timeline. (More on that later)
Because the show was ending, I could tell this moment was more like, let’s just get this over with. Lila was the only hold out, and she, of course, comes back. I wish that they went out fighting. This was a series ending that just felt flat to me after waiting 2 years. However, I guess that is the contrast to the ending of the last 3 seasons. Instead of fighting the end to save the world, they must save the world by, together, accepting their ultimate end.
Soaking Wet
My feelings on the ending of Umbrella Academy are probably the most positive I have about this season, because I had some REAL problems with this final season.
Starting with Ben, his portrayal, and his ending, I was disappointed to have not finally gotten the Ben we saw in seasons 1 & 2 truly be able to interact with his family. For so long, I wanted Ben to be able to be that 1st and 2nd season Ben in the flesh, but instead the 3rd season gave us moody Ben and the final season gave us crypto bro Ben. I am glad we finally got to see what happened to Ben and how he died in our OG timeline, but who was the Ben we saw on the train at the end of season three, and why was he smiling? That was a big plot moment that was never revisited, and I feel whatever was planned for that could have been so much better or at least given us something more for this final season. Was it just a moment to show that other timelines exist? Because we already knew that. In the end, it felt like a hype moment we never got a resolution to nor did we get the Ben of seasons 1 & 2.
All that Water, No Where to Go
I’m sure we can all agree that we were happy to finally get the moment where Viktor spewed his guts out onto Sir Reginald for everything that was done to him by the man…alien…alien man…and the moment we got was needed but far too late. The catharsis of Viktor finally wanting to be in control and free of all the hurt and pain was beautiful. It was an exceptional use of his powers to literally make (this) Sir Reginald listen and submit. And I know I have to acknowledge that because this was the last season, they knew they had to get this moment in somehow; however, that doesn’t mean I have to like it or its placement. This was a conversation that definitely should have taken place last season. Was the moment necessary? Yes. Was it too late? Even more yes.
Now, you wanna know what was WHOLLY UNNECESSARY?
KLAUS!!
This season really failed Klaus. He had nothing that stood out about him other than being a conduit for ghost-human sex. What really blew me was him immediately going back to drugs once he had the marigold inside him again. I get that it was trouble, but the last time we saw him in season 3 he showed that he had control over his powers. His immediate 180 didn’t make sense to me, because we don’t see anything “haunting” him. In fact, the only ghosts we saw were the aforementioned ghost-human sex and a ghost dog who saves Klaus’ life. Honestly, if Klaus did nothing this season, nothing would be missed or gained. He really was unnecessary. It was a far and away difference from the Klaus we saw in earlier seasons, especially the beautiful moments (and tragic lost) we saw him experience in season 2. The only shining Klaus moment was his final love you, fuck you at the end.
90’s/Early 00s Male R&B Singing in the Rain Music Video Vibes
There were two relationships in this season and neither really made sense. Ben and Jennifer’s connection was something. I wasn’t really sure why the squid was a connecting symbol for them, and it starts with us never getting an explanation as to why Jennifer was inside the squid in the first place. Abagail said that when she created marigold that durango was created, and it is inside Jennifer. But how? Sir Reginald released the marigold into the world, and that is how the Umbrellas were created/born. We don’t get how this happened with Jennifer. Did the squid swallow her mother at the moment the durango entered her, or did the durango just go into the squid? Is she the only creation/outcome/birth due to durango? How would/could we know? My focus was on that more than what was actually happening between Ben and Jennifer, which once again took away from Ben and made their “love affair” null and void for me. (Jennifer’s character also feels like just a random sacrifice or means to an (literal) end here. And I guess we had that same thing with Harlen last season as well.)
I believe that the writers should have stuck with a point that Gene and Jean were kind of onto when they talked about being from a different timeline. I think a concept that could have been fleshed out and used for this final season is that they have created so many branching timelines that they are now beginning to bleed over and smash into each other. We could have gotten to see other versions of them fighting to save to world, we could have seen other “Academies” (which we did get a quick glimpse at with the Phoenix Academy that we saw Lila and Five meet while exploring where the ‘time’ train went). Also, Lila and Five could have seen timelines smashing and destroying each other to create even more of a sense of urgency for the viewer. (This could have answered a question I had about what happened to the Sparrows and other marigold kids in other timelines or the one that they are currently in.) This still would have set it up for the ending that the only way to fix everything is for it to return to the one original timeline, one before (?) they were born, because as long as their marigold and Jennifer’s durango exist, they will continue to destroy and splinter the timeline.
Now speaking of Lila and Five, I agree with pretty much everyone else that that relationship didn’t need to happen. It wasn’t something that anyone expected or asked for and watching their love affair side story just felt messy and unappealing. Five was a fan favorite for many and watching him not only moving in on his brother’s wife but also having to be the one to go and get her because Diego couldn’t was not the way many would have seen the end of his story. They could have spent that side story trying to explore the dying timelines for clues to save their own. Of course, a level of comradery would grow between them, but it really shouldn’t have gone beyond that. Five and Lila’s relationship was probably the thing I cared about the least this whole season, and honestly for a final season of a show that started with great promise, it was a sad ending to say the least.
Final random thought: I feel so bad for Luther that the only job he could get without his super strength was a lunch time stripper.
The Rain Clouds have Parted
I remember being asked if I wanted to do an early review of Umbrella Academy before its Netflix premiere in 2019. The premise was right up my alley, and I immediately said yes. I wasn’t completely thrilled by the first few episodes, but returned for the last few and enjoyed it overall. I would go on to write about the 2nd season but the 3rd season hurt me so much I didn’t review it. However, with 3 out of 4 season reviews, I’ve semi-done my first review of a full show from beginning to ending. I wish Umbrella Academy had an ending that gave a bit more, but they gave us an ending that made sense in the very least; though, it was a very messy, muddy path to get there. I don’t really give ratings to shows, but I’ll return to watch some episodes (probably in the first two seasons). And I’m not mad that I stood in the rain with my umbrella these last four seasons.
Cover image via Netflix
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you?
Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram!
The post One Last Rainfall: ‘Umbrella Academy’ Final Season Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Disney/Hulu 
In the latest season of legal drama Reasonable Doubt, Jax Stewart is still grappling with motherhood, her marriage, and her high-powered career. As an attorney at a reputable law firm in Los Angeles, she often dons suits to showcase how conservative her workplace is. Since she happens to be a partner, when she shows up to the office she must dress the part, sleek suits and not much else will cut it. Derica Cole Washington, the series costume designer did an excellent job last season setting a high precedent for what we can expect from Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi). This season is a minuscule departure. When the season begins, Jax is home due to a leave she took to handle her emotional state following the debut season of the series. Due to this tiny change of location, we get to see Jax in her element at home a bit. This makes for a compelling watch so far, especially as she returns to the office–her workwear is juxtaposed with her laidback house clothes. The clothing worn by Corinealdi speaks to the strength that lies beneath her head scarves, her high-shouldered suits, and kitschy graphic T-shirts.
With her return to office looming, we spot Jax in a grey Alo Yoga blazer coat and athleisure separates for the earliest parts of the first episode. But later on, as she’s cleared to go back to work she has to switch things up. Changing between worlds, home, and the office harkens to how Black women must put on clothing that can be deemed the armor that they wear to protect themselves from the world.
Disney/Hulu For her in-office return, an Alexander McQueen rosette corsage blazer jacket in a deep purple hue and matching pants are chosen. This suit is eloquent and spot on–Jax needs to portray herself as someone who has it together even if she’s struggling inwardly. On the outside, this suit is elevated enough to show the partners at the law firm that she is ready to handle whatever comes her way this season. And the hue plays a part in that as well, deep people is a war-ready tone.
Later in the episode, a striking L’agence silk shirt in yellow makes an appearance and so does another blouse in light purple by Frame. Both of these blouses set a unique precedence too. They are detail-oriented and depict that Jax tends to play it safe concerning her workwear. Since she is a woman of her word she has an image to uphold and these tops speak to that wholly.
As the season continues a deep grey Vince blouse and a vintage-inspired New Edition graphic T-shirt are adorned on the titular character. The juxtaposition here alludes to her ability to dress comfortably but also to lean heavily into her workwear when she needs to.
Similarly, another graphic T-shirt was worn previously, a Jimi Hendrix graphic shirt. The tees strike me as ironic–she may appear uptight but her shirts are doing a bit of talking for her: New Edition, Jimi Hendrix, and another Ice-T’s Power album tee are downright fun.
Disney/Hulu In episode two, a Sergio Hudson suit comprised of a crepe jacket in light purple and matching cropped flare trousers delves even further into the structured suiting that is prevalent this season. This suit evokes grace anddecoding="async" src="https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/morris-chestnut-reasonable-doubt.png" alt="Emayatzy Corinealdi’s Costumes In ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Showcase Powerful Workwear" width="400" height="225" />Disney/Hulu
Another switch-up that is pivotal to this season is the inclusion of Morris Chestnut, a new attorney who joins the cast as Corey. Paralleled with the relaxed sartorial inclinations of Jax’s husband, Lewis (McKinley Freeman), Corey is depicted as a powerful new character. His structured and well-tailored suits make this quite clear. While this season Lewis dons a Domrebel bomber jacket in cream with detailed embroidery and sketches. He also wears tees that signal his easygoing demeanor whereas Corey is the polar opposite.
Elements of sophistication are placed in refined ways throughout this season’s wardrobe. Jax appears in a positive light for most of the season too. Her workwear is the most significant in the series episodes just as they were last season because she holds the show together. Grace is shown to this lead character often, and despite this notion, she never misses the mark in her office. Overall, attention to detail and clothing that evokes strength via tailored suits and lengthy trousers is the crux of Jax’s power alongside her intellect and wit. And that is what nearly makes Reasonable Doubt one of the summer’s most fun shows to watch in addition to the topsy-turvy plotlines and the detailed clothing by Derica Cole Washtington.
TOPICS: Emayatzy Corinealdi Reasonable DoubtThe post Emayatzy Corinealdi’s Costumes In ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Showcase Powerful Workwear appeared first on Essence.
A24’s The Front Room is a marriage of fairytale tropes like the evil stepmother with the horror fare of religious zealotry that can turn bloody. The Front Room follows Belinda—played by Brandy Norwood in her first return to horror since I Still Know What You Did Last Summer—who is expecting a baby with her spouse Norman (Andrew Burlap). Things aren’t quite what Belinda wants them to be in terms of work and getting their house ready for their bundle of joy. And it gets much, much worse when Norman’s estranged (and racist) stepmom Solange (Kathryn Hunter) moves in and begins to cause a ton of trouble. We spoke to Brandy Norwood and Kathryn Hunter about The Front Room‘s themes, character building, and more.
Nerdist: This question is for both of you. When you first got the script for The Front Room, what aspects of the film made you want to be a part of it?
Brandy Norwood: I thought the script was amazing and I loved my character. I felt like it was a role that could really push me and expand my acting, and I wanted to see if I could pull something like that off. And I haven’t been into the horror genre in a long time, so I thought that it was a perfect way to get back into it.
Kathryn Hunter: When my agent said “It’s a horror movie,” I went, “Oh, no.” Then I read it and it kind of escaped all the clichés of horror. It’s a story about family, about social, political, and racial issues. The horror is vested in those things rather than slashing off noses and fingers. This is an adaptation of the original Susan Hill story, which is itself wonderful, but what [directors/writers] Max and Sam [Eggers] have achieved in the adaptation is really brilliant… I think their work is absolutely astonishing. The characters are so detailed… I mean, Solange just leapt off the page.
The characters are absolutely engaging. Brandy, you mentioned that The Front Room is your first time returning to horror in a really long time. What was this experience like, especially playing someone who is so starkly different from Karla Wilson in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer?
Norwood: I did a lot of work on my role. I worked with [an acting] coach and I was surrounded by an amazing cast. I feel like Kathryn Hunter brought out the best in me! I never knew what she was going to do in any particular part of the scenes, so I had to stay on my toes and react and stay very present. And Sam and Max [Eggers] made the environment and the atmosphere a place where I can feel free to try to do different things.
Absolutely. I find Solange to be so chilling, Kathryn. I know you build a character from what’s on the script page, but where else did you draw from when creating her persona?
Hunter: Max and Sam shared that their grandfather came to stay with them when they were in their teens. And so a lot was based on that relationship with this person who was suffering from getting old, who was magnificent in some ways, and completely terrifying in other ways. So it was listening to those stories. Throughout my life, I’ve had quite close relationships with older people, too. The whole kind of religious and racist thing was something I had to explore and that was very challenging… It seems, unfortunately, extremely relevant now.
That is a sad truth. There are a lot of relevant themes in this movie, like motherhood and wild religious beliefs. But this film also explores the unequal labor that gets forced upon and expected of women in the household. Can you all talk more about how The Front Room tackles this in a compelling way?
Norwood: Belinda automatically feels as though she has to accommodate Solange and to take care of her, to provide a space for her to feel comfortable. And you find her being manipulated and used, and it is a battle and a fight. In every scene, she’s like “I’m fighting for my life, for my integrity, for my dignity.” She’s trying to not disrespect Solange and make her feel like she is a part of the family.
Hunter: The role of caretaker is taken by Belinda because that’s how she is as a person, but also perhaps because it’s a default position with women. So eventually when Belinda comes to free herself of that and says, “I am a mother, but my vocation is in teaching,” we absolutely salute that and it’s a huge catharsis. Did you feel that liberation?
Yes, absolutely. And that’s not the only catharsis that happens in this film. We get a twist that many won’t necessarily expect. What revelations do you hope fans come away with after seeing that moment and this film?
Norwood: I hope they feel liberated. I hope they enjoy the film and find the horror and comedy in it. I want them to see a strong woman fighting for her life, fighting for her freedom, and fighting for her family and just knowing that she can do anything, but she’s not going to put up with everything.
Indeed. What does The Front Room bring to this very varied and exciting current horror landscape?
Hunter: I think it’s absolutely extraordinary and brilliant the way Max and Sam have calibrated the tone. You get scared and then you’re disarmed because it has resonances with all sorts of family situations that we’ve all been in… I think it is absolutely unique and genius.
When it comes to horror, the Eggers Brothers create those tonal shifts, but it doesn’t feel chaotic or uneven. They just kind of ebb and flow right into each other really well! One more fun question for you, Brandy. Would Karla or Belinda win in a fight?
Norwood: I think Belinda would win! Karla was facing hooks and chains, but Belinda was facing the possession of the Holy Spirit. That’s different.
See if Brandy can proudly proclaim that “The house is mine!” when The Front Room hits theaters on September 6.
The post THE FRONT ROOM’s Brandy Norwood and Kathryn Hunter on the Horror Film’s Hellish Themes appeared first on Nerdist.