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‘The United States Vs. Billie Holiday’ Review
by Betti Halsell
In The United States Vs. Billie Holiday the audience is thrown into a war zone. Viewers stare at the social terrain with world-renowned Jazz legend Billie Holiday, as she climbs through trenches of trauma, addiction, love, betrayal, and corruption, ultimately leaving some of her best men behind.
Holiday, played by Andra Day, encapsulated the current state of events happening to Black Americans with a simple string of verses over a solemn melody. Her song Strange Fruit paints a vivid picture of events that took place during her time – lynchings in the 1930’s that were happening with no reprimand. The melancholic melody still hits home today, as if America is still singing the same song, with a different tune.
Holiday bellowed with her smoldering voice,
“Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.”
The recording and performance of Strange Fruit stood out like a thorn protruding from the rosey lens the rest of America looked through, causing a problem for those in “high places”. So they created a suffocating smoke around the singer’s life, following her to her final resting place.
The movie focuses on the unsolicited surveillance from federal and local law enforcement because of the pressure that came with the iconic song. It touches on a reoccurring theme happening in newly released biographic films, uncovering people within the Black community supplying incriminating intel to the federal government.
This confirms the involvement of federal sources, but also the lack of trust happening within the collective community. The film was as explicit as the song itself, telling an unbiased truth of an Artist caught in a war that went far beyond her talent.
Directed by Lee Daniels and written by Pulitzer prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks and Johann Harri, the movie depicts Holiday as an undeniable force – she was feminine and sensual, yet she held a sense of masculine ownership over her life. Although the 1900s were set in gender roles and confined social placement, Holiday was outspoken and knew she had a level of power. The salute to her self-awareness may have beckoned from her childhood. The film exposed Holiday’s early surroundings, which included the power in sexuality and a sense of liberty for women when she was young.
However, there are two sides to every coin. The trauma in her childhood may have given her the soul that is found in her voice and a sense of empowerment, but it also left her damaged. The movie captured her dependency on strong stimulants, to mange her mental state. The singer’s upbringing left her without a true vision of her reflection. The feature focused on nostalgic transitions and captured an unfiltered story of Holiday’s flaws as a friend and lover.
In The United States vs Billie Holiday, Day is joined by Trevante Rhodes (Birdbox) who played Jimmy Fletcher, the first Black FBN agent and Garrett Hedlund (Four Brothers) as Harry Aslinger, Chief of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.
Rendering the critiques from Rotten Tomatoes, the story was labeled “sloppy” and “over-characterized.” However, most of those inferential opinions came from predominantly White men. This leaves the opportunity that they may have been missed; the concept of struggle in being a Black woman, while fighting multiple layers of internal and external battles and combating different perspectives of self-worth.
America is still singing about the strange fruit that holds a rotten core, the Anti-lynching Bill was passed last year. A back-breaking victory, countless marches, too many lives lost, all for roughly 100 years of “consideration.”
The strange fruit from those times left seeds, a new harvest of injustice is ripening. Thanks to Holiday’s strong will to keep performing the truth, others have joined the choir for change. The nation is still singing about the obscurities found in racism. It’s all the same song, just a different tune. Stream The United States Vs. Billie Holiday on Hulu starting February 26.
Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’
In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.
The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.
The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.
‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Joseph Marcell, known for his iconic portrayal of Geoffrey, the butler, is set to join the cast of the hit series Bel-Air in its highly anticipated third season.
The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic take on the original premise. It follows a young man’s journey from West Philadelphia as he navigates life with his wealthy relatives in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.
The new trailer opens with Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) working as waiters at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) country club, hinting at a summer job that may lead to more than just serving drinks. Meanwhile, Hilary (Coco Jones) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) try to sort through their differences, and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) deals with some of his old demons from his past in London.
The trailer also teases a mysterious member of the Banks family’s past, played by Marcell.
Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles has shared her enthusiasm for Marcell joining the cast. “Joseph Marcell is a phenomenal actor, and we are thrilled to have him join the Bel-Air family,” she said in a statement. “His presence will add a new layer of depth to the show, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of this new chapter in the Bel-Air story,” In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Marcell shared his thoughts on joining the show, “I’m excited to explore Geoffrey’s character in a different light and to work with such a talented cast and crew.”
Watch the trailer below.
Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’ returns with a compelling and emotionally charged second season.
Starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the show follows the story of Paige (Washington), a successful therapist who reunites with her father, Edwin (Lindo), after his release from a 17-year prison sentence. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their relationship, Paige also deals with her struggles, including her career, relationships, and the impact of her father’s incarceration on her own life.
Season 2 of ‘UnPrisoned’ picks up where the first season left off, delving deeper into the emotional journey of the Alexander family. The show continues to explore the complexities of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the lingering impact of past traumas.
In the new episodes, we see Paige and Edwin commit to family therapy sessions led by a quirky and unconventional therapist, played by John Stamos. The meetings are instrumental in helping the characters confront their issues head-on.
It’s important to highlight the show’s ability to balance comedy and drama. Although ‘UnPrisoned’ tackles serious issues, such as the impact of mass incarceration on families and the challenges of reintegration into society, it does so with plenty of humor. For Edwin, while the first season focused on the external challenges of reintegration, season 2 explores his internal struggles and takes us through his and Paige’s arduous but rewarding journey.
Other characters who play a pivotal role in the Alexanders’ path to reconciliation are Mal (Marque Richardson), Paige’s love interest, and Paige’s son, Finn, played by Faly Rakotohavana, and, of course, little Paige, played by the young and talented Jordyn McIntosh.
“UnPrisoned” season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.
First Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’
‘Fresh Prince’ Star Joseph Marcell Joins ‘Bel-Air’ Season 3
‘UnPrisoned’ Season 2 Takes A Deeper Dive into Healing, Family, and Love
Netflix Releases First Trailer For ‘The Deliverance’
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