As November approaches, we at Shadow And Act have put together a list of all the movies with Black talent in key roles that you need to check out! From a horror film like Doctor Sleep to family dramas like Waves, there is something on this list for everyone!
Check them out below (in order of release date):
1. Harriet (November 1)
Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman in the Kasi Lemmons-directed biopic. The film also stars Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom, Jr., Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Daphne Reid and Deborah Ayorinde.
The official description: Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
2. Doctor Sleep (November 8)
Carl Lumbly, Zackary Momoh and Kyliegh Curran star alongside Ewan McGregor in Doctor Sleep, the sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining.
The film follows Danny Torrance (McGregor), now a hospice nurse, as he copes with the same mental issues and bouts of alcoholism that plagued his father, Jack Torrance. Young newcomer Curran, who has portrayed Young Nala on Broadway, will star as Abra Stone, a girl who has the gift of “The Shining,” the same kind of psychic abilities Danny exhibited in the first film.
3. Waves (November 15)
Sterling K. Brown, Taylor Russell, Kelvin Harrison, Jr. and Renée Elise Goldsberry star in this drama about a suburban Black family as they ride the waves of emotions after a loss.
Here’s the description: Set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida, and featuring an astonishing ensemble of award-winning actors and breakouts alike, Waves traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family—led by a well-intentioned but domineering father—as they navigate love, forgiveness, and coming together in the aftermath of a loss. From acclaimed director Trey Edward Shults, Waves is a heartrending story about the universal capacity for compassion and growth even in the darkest of times.
4. 21 Bridges (November 22)
Chadwick Boseman headlines the film of a cop who closes down Manhattan in the search for cop-killers. 21 Bridges is produced by Boseman along with Joe Russo and Anthony Russo of Avengers fame. Stephan James also stars.
In the film, Boseman is an embattled NYPD detective on the hunt for a pair of men accused of murdering police officers, uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. As the search intensifies, Boseman’s character takes one last extreme measure to catch them: closing all 21 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island.
5. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (November 22)
Susan Kelechi Watson stars with Matthew Rhys and Tom Hanks in the film about children’s television icon Mr. Rogers and his friendship with journalist Tom Junod.
The official description reads: Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor.
6. Knives Out (November 27)
Rian Johnson’s next directorial project after Star Wars: The Last Jedi finds a disparate group of family members involved in a murder mystery.
Lakeith Stanfield rounds out a star-studded cast for Knives Out, including Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Christopher Plummer, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Katherine Langford, Toni Collette, Michael Shannon and Frank Oz.
7. Queen & Slim (November 27)
Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith star in Queen & Slim, a Bonnie and Clyde-esque story of a couple on the run after the killing of a cop. Bokeem Woodbine, Jahi Winston and Indya Moore also star in the film, directed by Melina Matsoukas and written by Lena Waithe.
The official description for the film: While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a Black man and a Black woman, are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates, with sudden and tragic results, when the man kills the police officer in self-defense. Terrified and in fear for their lives, the man, a retail employee, and the woman, a criminal defense lawyer, are forced to go on the run. But the incident is captured on video and goes viral, and the couple unwittingly becomes a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people across the country. As they drive, these two unlikely fugitives will discover themselves and each other in the most dire and desperate of circumstances, and will forge a deep and powerful love that will reveal their shared humanity and shape the rest of their lives.
READ MORE:
How Do You Solve A Problem Like ‘Harriet’? [REVIEW]
On The Set Of Lena Waithe’s Upcoming Film ‘Queen & Slim,’ Black Love And Protest Art Collide
Photo: Lionsgate/Universal/STX
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