"Why not just do things that keep you from crying in bathrooms?”
Thrilled to hear that this is being adapted into a series! The world Tayarisha Poe has built here is so rich and densely populated with colorful characters, and it needs more space to reveal itself fully. As a film, the exposition ends up being rushed and confusing, and initially compelling aspects of the plot don’t end up blossoming as they should. Still, its ideas hold nevertheless, and the confident direction and lively performances make it worth the watch. It’s a fun time, even as the darker sides of the factions begin to dominate.
Poe has such a clear voice and confident hand, and debuts as ambitious as her’s should always be celebrated.