I really liked the film. I thought Janelle Monae was awesome. I thought it was very interesting. The twist was super surprising to me, but it was still captivating. I loved the score as well and how it really set the tone. It was intense but I liked that they tried something different and this was something more than just a slave film. Jena Malone was a scenery chewing villain though. But overall, I enjoyed it. Would watch it again.
Yeah it's not like slavery can be super casual unless you want to drive home just how dehumanizing whites were to blacks in those times. I mean think about how many black people have european blood. Realistically most of that genetics was not passed down willingly. Best case scenario we looking at romanticised stockholm syndrome. But the way some people talk about how slavery should be portrayed you'd think slavery wasn't "all that bad all the time...right?"
@@troymcclure681 There ain't a race on earth that isn't guilty of this shit. If we spend all of our time trying to force living people to pay for the sins of those long dead, it will never end.
@@troymcclure681 You're labeling someone as "aggressively stupid," yet you're incapable of formulating a proper sentence or thought? It's always interesting to see the Dunning-Kruger effect at work.
@@dajokerwild4854 whites where to blacks. You do realize blacks had black slaves to right? Even white people where slaves in certain parts of the world.
Personally, I don't like the movie, but as to this point: "It's a horrific thought that there would be people motivated to do this kind of thing in today's world." You need to watch Ava Duvernay's 13th.
SPOILERS. I think the concept with the twist is pretty decent, I just didn't like how the it was executed. The reveal felt disappointing to me since the 2nd act was a slog to get through. Maybe if they switched the 1st and 2nd act's places or maybe sprinkled elements of the 2nd act into the 1st, slowly revealing information while at the plantation instead of hopping from one period of time to the next, I think the pacing and twist would've been better for it
Nice to see a positive review for a change. I also enjoyed the movie if I'm being honest, but not enough to recommend it. Plus I'm puzzled by how much they decided to give away in the trailers, considering the non-linear structure of the film.
@@michaelabayomi i disagree. It was s total waste of time. Marketed as lies. I couldn't wait to see it. Now i wish i had that time back. Doesn't even deserve to utter the name jordan peele, get out, or us
I hear on the nose dialogue a lot but I don’t understand on the nose movies... like the theme is on the nose which makes it bad? Does on the nose (bad) writing exists for films made to be raw and realistic? This is just a question I’ve struggled with. It’d be great if you had an opinion on it... thanks!
My thought, based on this review, is that this sounds like... **Spoilers below** . **Spoilers below** . **Spoilers below** ...a re-telling of "The Village" from M. Night, but with the racist/white power/whatever angle tacked on to make it more "timely" and "relevant." That's just from hearing what the twist is, not seeing the film myself.
It's in the same ballpark. But The Village had more focus on the community, and maintaining it through fear. This is less interested in that, which is probably why it feels... cheaper?
I haven’t read other reviews but if they are as Dan described, it’s a ridiculous criticism. That’s like watching a WWII film and saying it focused too much on the fighting and we’ve already seen the horrors of warfare in other films so why retread that again.
Well maybe my perspective will help. I don't know all of who disliked the movie, but as a Black person I get a bit tired of the slave brutality story, not because of the honest depictions of the horrors against Black people, but because those are the only stories about us that filmmakers are bothered to tell. They tend to be Oscar bait movies and it's like we're people, we have other challenging complex Oscar worthy stories to be told that aren't just us being brutalized. It feels exploitative at some point. Now it doesn't sound like this is what this movie was doing and the filmmakers are Black, but that is the knee jerk reaction. I think if Black people were represented in more dramatic roles, it would be such a big deal. I'm also gay and many LGBTQ people felt that way about coming out stories, especially the depressing violent ones. At first it was cathartic, but then it felt exploitative. A gay character can be any leading person, not just one suffering because of their sexuality.
Hats off to Dan: I was thoroughly engaged with this review even though I wasn't planning on seeing the movie. Any chance of doing a Tenet spoiler review?
I listened through the spoiler warning and your take made me want to seek the film out, after only hearing that the film was pretty but flawed. Sounds pretty bold and awesome to me. Keep up the good work, Dan 👏🏿👏🏾👏👏🏽👏🏼
It didn’t do too much for me. It was shot well and Monae was great, but the twist deserved more than a 20 minute shot circling a character on a horse giving us the racism exposition. You can tell that it was made by music video directors when the imagery overrides story. I called the twist very early and hoped it would have more depth in the reveal. Still a great review Dan. We can Zoom debate when you’re ready 😂
Great video as always and fair review. Good notes and thoughtful meditations all around. You remain a great voice on films. Thank you. Two things I (personally) think should’ve been mentioned or considered: 1) many of the negative reviews were coming from Black film critics, so perhaps that is deserving of greater weight and consideration. Majority of positive reviews were from white people. For the record, I’m a white dude but gave it a negative review for a site-so it’s not simply one demographic calling it out or praising it. But I think that broad dichotomy of perceptions is worthy of examination. 2) I get thinking it’s prescient, but isn’t it more a reflection of how long these situations/topics/issues/feelings have been brought up for many decades? 2020’s large BLM mobilization wasn’t spontaneous, but built in decades (if not centuries) of these exact issues and pain and anger. There are moments (key phrases) that certainly echo a lot of what was specifically said in 2020’s BLM discussions, and I agree with you there, but I think the takeaway is less that certain things were anticipated and more that most of these topics and sentiments are 400 years old. Just my two cents. Your mileage may vary, of course. Thanks as always for the great work.
*Short review* 1. Competently written and directed. 2. I honestly feel that this movie was "on-the-nose" in order to distract you. You get caught up in those moments so you think the movie is about one thing and then you never see "the twist" coming. Right? 3. Solid review. So solid that this video got me to subscribe.
The movie could use more subtlety, and the first half is kinda dull, but the kidnapping scene is absolutely brilliant, and the ending packs a punch. In spite of being uneven I would give this movie an approved grade.
The trailer hooked me. I thought this may be like Kindred (Octavia butler's epic novel) so I ordered the film on streaming. And was sadly let down. The cast is great, but film tried too hard to be like Get Out. Jumbled mess. 😔
Expectation: A horror film involving time travel and commentary on racism and slavery from Jordan Peele. Reality: An actiony drama with a the village twist with two white male directors screaming SLAVERY IS BAD from their director’s chairs. Then badly edited in post and released so people can say “wow this is deep because slavery in modern day it’s so woke!”
I have not seen the movie, but the "spoiler" part you talked about was what I understood from the trailers. In fact that was how I was describing the movie to other people to see if they were interested back when it was supposed to come out in theaters.
I can appreciate your review of this movie therefore I gave you the thumbs up. As an African American woman it was hard for me to watch but I felt as though the movie was very necessary! Janelle Monae's performance was EXCELLEN!!! I gather that the brutaility of slavery was just that... BRUTAL! therefore that is what was depicted and I am not sure what you were referring to when you spoke of something being "to on the nose" I believe that is what you said but it's just real and for reviewers speaking negatively about this movie rehashing slavery ask them to look around because there seems as though there are a lot of people in this country that would love for this type of evil to come to fruition! the thing I thought of was police brutality, yes I know it isn't slavery but it is OPPRESSION just like slavery was! Because the issue in this country isn't dead and is VERY much alive this movie was necessary! It is uncovering the wounds that needs healing in the great ole U.S. of A the land of the free and oppressed!
I really wasn't interested in watching this movie, but your review, especially the spoiler section, makes me really want to see this now. Makes me think of a reverse more twisted scenario on a particular M. Night movie. Great review!!
Unfortunately, this film was a dumpster fire. Heavy handed and WAY over the top with it's message, other than the lead the rest of the cast were completely uninteresting and underdeveloped, and some of the decisions in the third act were nonsensical or boarding on outright stupid. Shame, as I was looking forward to this one.
This story was stolen from a different writer, I can’t remember her name unfortunately but she wrote this, presented it to the production company behind the film, they told her they weren’t gonna use it anymore after shooting a couple scenes, but then antebellum trailer drops and it’s her same property just a different name with very little changes. If you type in antebellum story stolen to Twitter you might find it.
I enjoyed it. Good cast, good story. I felt like a black mirror episode by the end of the movie. I knew there was a twist to it from the trailer and I was trying to figure out what the twist was throughout the movie. I can understand if it isn't for everyone but it was perfectly fine for me. Thumbs up.
That would be a great idea for a series for your channel having somebody on (via Skype or Zoom) that either really disliked a film you liked or really liked a film you disliked and debating why you both feel that way about it.
They upped the violent, but lost the heart and humor. I did not realize it was directed by Empire Strikes Back director. The 1st one was nearly a perfect movie with a good balance of sci-fi action and humor.
I have not seen the film. I have only read/watched the reviews, so I cannot comment as to whether this is a well-made, edited and scored film. Judging from the trailer, Antebellum seems to reference themes from The Hunt (2020) and The Purge series with a touch of Tyler Perry (for the Act 2 portions of the modern world with Veronica). As for showing the brutality of slavery, I feel that 12 Years A Slave (2013) is the better film. I would love to see Dan discuss (not debate) this movie with someone who has not reviewed this movie positively. I am open to changing my (uneducated as only saw the trailer) opinion.
I also liked this movie! As a black woman, this is a fear that I have had: one day they will put us back in chains. Of course, they have done this in different ways presently. But watching holocaust films and reading holocausts books further showed me how mankind is always ready to turn a blind eye to the maltreatment of their fellow man. It was terrifying to see my fears and nightmares on the screen. And that is the whole point of horror films and psychological thrillers. Stepford wives prey on the fears of middle class white women losing their sense of self, Texas Chainsaw preys on the fears of travelers, Jaws and Poseidon preys on the fears of ship captains, etc.
I'm with Dan on this. The movie isn't as bad as critics are claiming. That said, I feel the marketing made it look like a hardcore horror movie, and its not that exactly
SPOILERS: agreed, like them panning up to the plane after the cell phone thing the previous night was overkill, imo, lmao.....that scene when she lit the fire though, lmfaoooo, freaking hilarious
I loved that this was released VOD - when you got to the spoiler warning, for maybe the 1st time ever (good thing or I would've ruined it for myself) I didn't continue and instead, rented it here on youtube, watched it right away and then immediately as the credits roled (after the bulldozer) came and finished watching your commentary (thought you'd have a little more to say but will re-watch your review all at once now. I really, really, really enjoyed this movie, I'm not usually a horror movie fan but this movie doesn't go over the top with gore though of course there is brutality and violence. I thought the performances were really great. I think it is, like you said Dan, a warning. Antebellum's release yesterday is timely with your president's most recent disgusting speech (and bizarre accompanying executive order) regarding what kind of history and propaganda should be taught in U.S. schools. In Canada, we definitely need to continue making certain that more REAL history, which includes all Canadians experiences, is taught in our schools. I can only speak to what has changed in Ontario in recent years since it's where I live and where my kids have also gone to school and I'm glad to say there is more REAL history being taught in schools, but it's definitely not enough on its own, and our kids are still not being given enough of the full picture. ANYHOW all that to say I'm not claiming the U.S. is unique in having much more work to do but it is especially frustrating to feel like such a large voice in the world has so many powerful people actively, blatantly trying to go backwards and erase or ignore reality. Thanks for an interesting review Dan, I didn't even realise Antebellum had been released yesterday until watching this.
So I will have to admit that, not having seen any ads for this, I assumed it was one of those Conjuring movies. Oh, Annabelle, never mind... Having said that, it sounds interesting.
I liked this movie. As I said when I first watched it, this is not a movie for or about our ancestors. There are many movies already made that seek to understand their experiences. This is a movie for and about us. There has never been a movie that delved into this subject in quite the same way. It was a needed contribution. I found the slavery scenes necessary to understand the brutality that could exist if those with enough hatred and money are given enough power. There could be a part of the world where this could actually happen to people. People who feel like the slaveholders do in Antebellum do exist. It is an excellent cautionary tale of what could happen if we fail to excise the hatred from our hearts and from our societies.
Totally disagree on everything save the cinematography. That was stunning. I was also moved by the opening shot. The plot had so much potential but horribly executed. Ambitious but... I was actually irritated after having spent time watching.
This is unusual for me to ask after watching any of your reviews , but after 15 minutes watching this, i am not sure i understand what you think of this movie. if i see it, do you think i will enjoy it? Or is it like a college course where you get some knowledge and perspective but you wish you were somewhere else?
Trailers were so misleading, even showing scenes that weren’t included in the film. It was edited like a horror film, which is probably due to it trying to be so much like Get Out. Honestly so disappointed and feel like I wasted my time and money.
Your review intrigued me enough to look for the plot on Wikipedia..... And damn it looks pretty bad :/ I don’t know for exactly how long this movie was in production, but it seems to be a rejected treatment for Westworld.
I'm really surprised that you thought the acting was solid. I don't think that Janelle Monae did a good job at all, especially as Veronica. I also didn't buy the modern day friendships. They seemed forced and uncomfortable. Everything on the plantation (especially in the third act) felt nonsensical. It's almost as if the actors were waiting around for the next thing to happen, with no reaction. It was bizarre. I was so looking forward to this movie, I'm glad I watched it but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.
The moment you said “US senators” the image flashed in my head is Lindsay Graham for some reason...(don’t be mad. I’m not even American...I just watch lots of US news...)
For a first featture film is great, but for me the movie didn't make me think nothing knew that I already think everyday of my life living in Brasil and watching the same problems with race happening in the USA. Very frustrating. Maybe this movie works more on people whom are not that well educate on the subject, for whatever reason. My favourite thing about the movie is the best friend cliche. Hard not to fell in love watching Gabourey on the screen.
Gabourey Sidibe was the most obnoxious, unlikeable character ive seen in a long time. I felt like the movie wanted me to like or agree with her as she harassed and embarrased servers and Uber drivers. And yeah im sure that dude at the restaurant wanted HER out of the three women at that table. I thought the movie as a whole was bad. Heavy handed message/lectures, unlikeable characters, plot holes, silly twist, cartoonish villains. It says nothing new. We know slavery was horrible, but todays issues dont compare so the message is faulty.
To me this movie fell flat, the story could have used some reworks. I do agree that the cast was great and a lot of the shots where well done. But because the story was not trying to make you think the movie did little more for me than shouting "Racism is bad, slavery is/was horrible!!!". Which, yeah no shit I don't think there is anyone who would argue that. I think this movie could have done more by using the civil war acts and use them to reflect on current world problems. They could have shown the similarities and show that we barely got anywhere since. Now it just becomes surreal to the point that you don't feel connected to IRL situations. This might be different to others but I simply felt a huge disconnect. IMO it would have been better if it where actually 2 timelines that she was living and every time she went to sleep she would move on with the other timeline, like she was having some sort of ongoing dream each night. Than she could have been effected by the things that happen in one timeline and use that knowledge in the timeline she would currently be in. For example, in current day she starts seeing more and more similarities between the way people act IRL and people in her dream and she starts seeing what this will lead to. Than as she goes to sleep and wakes up in the civil war area she starts apply all she knows from her on going fight against racism IRL to start an uprising. Than the twist could be that she is not actually dreaming and that she simply exists in both timelines. This can be when she gets branded for example, in stead of having her wake up all chill have her wake up screaming in agony only to find the brand on he back. In this situation I would probably have this happen later in the movie but that's besides the point.
I didn't like it. I was expecting quality thought provoking horror. I did not see Jordan Peele calibur horror. I guess I should have seen that coming since he did not write or direct this movie. The producers did a really good job masking this race baiting film as a next level horror movie by associating it with Us and Get Out. My husband and I fell for it and I want my $20 back.
Spoiler... This movie is not really about the slavery. It's about people who STILL romanticize that time in history. As someone who grew up in the south you see civil war reenactments, confederate statues and flags all the time but no one wants to acknowledge all of the evil that came with it. I think this is the point of the movie
I thought this was gonna be some time travel / supernatural stuff going on. This sounds like the Village: slavery edition.
yeah. in a way it is....at least in terms of the general setup within the story (ie. if this was real, yeah thats kinda it)
the village is, believe it or not, better than this dud, antebellum is half slavery drama and half bad twilight zone episode and all lousy
The lead character’s name is actually Veronica, not Vanessa. Still a great review!
Oh my god - what a bonehead mistake - must have had it wrong in my notes!
Classy correction, followed by a classy response. Good shit.
Nice thread
I really liked the film. I thought Janelle Monae was awesome. I thought it was very interesting. The twist was super surprising to me, but it was still captivating. I loved the score as well and how it really set the tone. It was intense but I liked that they tried something different and this was something more than just a slave film. Jena Malone was a scenery chewing villain though. But overall, I enjoyed it. Would watch it again.
Have to agree that the score was really awesome. Had my stomach in knots!
i dont think slavery should be portrayed as anything nice. it should be remembered brutally.
Yeah it's not like slavery can be super casual unless you want to drive home just how dehumanizing whites were to blacks in those times. I mean think about how many black people have european blood. Realistically most of that genetics was not passed down willingly. Best case scenario we looking at romanticised stockholm syndrome. But the way some people talk about how slavery should be portrayed you'd think slavery wasn't "all that bad all the time...right?"
@@troymcclure681 There ain't a race on earth that isn't guilty of this shit. If we spend all of our time trying to force living people to pay for the sins of those long dead, it will never end.
Troy McClure chattel slavery is a European concept and idea.
Black people did not treat slaves like animals.
Pick up a book.
@@troymcclure681 You're labeling someone as "aggressively stupid," yet you're incapable of formulating a proper sentence or thought? It's always interesting to see the Dunning-Kruger effect at work.
@@dajokerwild4854 whites where to blacks. You do realize blacks had black slaves to right? Even white people where slaves in certain parts of the world.
Personally, I don't like the movie, but as to this point:
"It's a horrific thought that there would be people motivated to do this kind of thing in today's world."
You need to watch Ava Duvernay's 13th.
You mean that director who blames racism for her flops?
SPOILERS.
I think the concept with the twist is pretty decent, I just didn't like how the it was executed. The reveal felt disappointing to me since the 2nd act was a slog to get through. Maybe if they switched the 1st and 2nd act's places or maybe sprinkled elements of the 2nd act into the 1st, slowly revealing information while at the plantation instead of hopping from one period of time to the next, I think the pacing and twist would've been better for it
Nice to see a positive review for a change. I also enjoyed the movie if I'm being honest, but not enough to recommend it. Plus I'm puzzled by how much they decided to give away in the trailers, considering the non-linear structure of the film.
Why? It was not a good movie.
@@wethepeople9763 The film could've been better for sure, but it also wasn't the total dumpster fire most reviewers were making it out to be.
@@michaelabayomi i disagree. It was s total waste of time. Marketed as lies. I couldn't wait to see it. Now i wish i had that time back. Doesn't even deserve to utter the name jordan peele, get out, or us
@@wethepeople9763 Fair enough. But it was just okay and barely watchable for me in any case, which is my way of saying I've seen way worse. Lol.
I just reviewed this on my channel and I couldn’t help but laugh lol it’s been a while since I’ve seen a movie so on the nose hahha
I hear on the nose dialogue a lot but I don’t understand on the nose movies... like the theme is on the nose which makes it bad? Does on the nose (bad) writing exists for films made to be raw and realistic? This is just a question I’ve struggled with. It’d be great if you had an opinion on it... thanks!
This is what people feared Get out could have been. Rewatch get out btw
yes, rewatch get out and forget about this turkey
I don't think "not being subtle" is a bad thing.
Glad someone said it 💯
still a terrible movie
@@alanhoffar7770 I disagree. I enjoyed it. I’m not really sure where the gate is coming from. 🤷🏾♂️
My thought, based on this review, is that this sounds like... **Spoilers below**
.
**Spoilers below**
.
**Spoilers below**
...a re-telling of "The Village" from M. Night, but with the racist/white power/whatever angle tacked on to make it more "timely" and "relevant." That's just from hearing what the twist is, not seeing the film myself.
You're racist admit it bro
It's in the same ballpark. But The Village had more focus on the community, and maintaining it through fear. This is less interested in that, which is probably why it feels... cheaper?
Well...The Village was based off of the novel Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson.
I haven’t read other reviews but if they are as Dan described, it’s a ridiculous criticism. That’s like watching a WWII film and saying it focused too much on the fighting and we’ve already seen the horrors of warfare in other films so why retread that again.
Well maybe my perspective will help. I don't know all of who disliked the movie, but as a Black person I get a bit tired of the slave brutality story, not because of the honest depictions of the horrors against Black people, but because those are the only stories about us that filmmakers are bothered to tell. They tend to be Oscar bait movies and it's like we're people, we have other challenging complex Oscar worthy stories to be told that aren't just us being brutalized. It feels exploitative at some point.
Now it doesn't sound like this is what this movie was doing and the filmmakers are Black, but that is the knee jerk reaction. I think if Black people were represented in more dramatic roles, it would be such a big deal. I'm also gay and many LGBTQ people felt that way about coming out stories, especially the depressing violent ones. At first it was cathartic, but then it felt exploitative. A gay character can be any leading person, not just one suffering because of their sexuality.
Should’ve been directed by Jordan Peele, his vision, style, and execution is what this film needed to fulfill it’s concept and themes much better.
I’m subscribed to the podcast bro! Keep it up!
I have so many thoughts but I agree with you Dan, and this twist is definitely unforgettable.
Conversations th@ need 2b had! Good job Dan!
Hats off to Dan: I was thoroughly engaged with this review even though I wasn't planning on seeing the movie.
Any chance of doing a Tenet spoiler review?
I thought it was really really GOOD. Great storytelling. I really enjoyed it.
I listened through the spoiler warning and your take made me want to seek the film out, after only hearing that the film was pretty but flawed. Sounds pretty bold and awesome to me. Keep up the good work, Dan 👏🏿👏🏾👏👏🏽👏🏼
It didn’t do too much for me. It was shot well and Monae was great, but the twist deserved more than a 20 minute shot circling a character on a horse giving us the racism exposition. You can tell that it was made by music video directors when the imagery overrides story. I called the twist very early and hoped it would have more depth in the reveal. Still a great review Dan. We can Zoom debate when you’re ready 😂
Great video as always and fair review. Good notes and thoughtful meditations all around. You remain a great voice on films. Thank you.
Two things I (personally) think should’ve been mentioned or considered:
1) many of the negative reviews were coming from Black film critics, so perhaps that is deserving of greater weight and consideration. Majority of positive reviews were from white people. For the record, I’m a white dude but gave it a negative review for a site-so it’s not simply one demographic calling it out or praising it. But I think that broad dichotomy of perceptions is worthy of examination.
2) I get thinking it’s prescient, but isn’t it more a reflection of how long these situations/topics/issues/feelings have been brought up for many decades? 2020’s large BLM mobilization wasn’t spontaneous, but built in decades (if not centuries) of these exact issues and pain and anger. There are moments (key phrases) that certainly echo a lot of what was specifically said in 2020’s BLM discussions, and I agree with you there, but I think the takeaway is less that certain things were anticipated and more that most of these topics and sentiments are 400 years old.
Just my two cents. Your mileage may vary, of course. Thanks as always for the great work.
Great review Dan!! Look forward to more from you
*Short review*
1. Competently written and directed.
2. I honestly feel that this movie was "on-the-nose" in order to distract you. You get caught up in those moments so you think the movie is about one thing and then you never see "the twist" coming. Right?
3. Solid review. So solid that this video got me to subscribe.
The movie could use more subtlety, and the first half is kinda dull, but the kidnapping scene is absolutely brilliant, and the ending packs a punch. In spite of being uneven I would give this movie an approved grade.
The trailer hooked me. I thought this may be like Kindred (Octavia butler's epic novel) so I ordered the film on streaming. And was sadly let down. The cast is great, but film tried too hard to be like Get Out. Jumbled mess. 😔
Is it not like Kindred? Because I literally paused the review to shout that question at my screen.
@@jrosk6561 no, thats the twist. The movie starts like it is, but swerved and takes a Get Out approach
Woot! A new podcast to listen to!! Thanks Dan!
as a Blackman it was hard to watch in the beginning but when the 3rd act hit, I was like OMG this movie is crazy and I liked it
Haaaate this movie. The marketing was an absolute lie.
I think this should have been a 3 or 4 part miniseries. The story is too big to cram into a 100 minute run time.
Expectation: A horror film involving time travel and commentary on racism and slavery from Jordan Peele.
Reality: An actiony drama with a the village twist with two white male directors screaming SLAVERY IS BAD from their director’s chairs. Then badly edited in post and released so people can say “wow this is deep because slavery in modern day it’s so woke!”
You should do a review of Charlie Kaufman's I'm Thinking of Ending Things. Best movie of 2020
absolutely not, my guy.
Yeah, so I’m maybe just a littttle uncomfortable telling Black filmmakers that their depictions of slavery are stale and have been done before.
I mean if it’s a valid critique, I don’t see the issue.
Loved your thoughts on this movie!! I hadn't heard about this one and I'm glad you put it on my radar! Loving "All My Movies" on SEN
I have not seen the movie, but the "spoiler" part you talked about was what I understood from the trailers. In fact that was how I was describing the movie to other people to see if they were interested back when it was supposed to come out in theaters.
I can appreciate your review of this movie therefore I gave you the thumbs up. As an African American woman it was hard for me to watch but I felt as though the movie was very necessary! Janelle Monae's performance was EXCELLEN!!! I gather that the brutaility of slavery was just that... BRUTAL! therefore that is what was depicted and I am not sure what you were referring to when you spoke of something being "to on the nose" I believe that is what you said but it's just real and for reviewers speaking negatively about this movie rehashing slavery ask them to look around because there seems as though there are a lot of people in this country that would love for this type of evil to come to fruition! the thing I thought of was police brutality, yes I know it isn't slavery but it is OPPRESSION just like slavery was! Because the issue in this country isn't dead and is VERY much alive this movie was necessary! It is uncovering the wounds that needs healing in the great ole U.S. of A the land of the free and oppressed!
I actually liked the movie. I think they did a good job with it. I mean it's a movie it's not real. Don't come for me.
I really wasn't interested in watching this movie, but your review, especially the spoiler section, makes me really want to see this now. Makes me think of a reverse more twisted scenario on a particular M. Night movie.
Great review!!
I was on the fence about the movie so I appreciate your take Dan. Also I want your desk
Excellent assessment!
What’s kind of funny is that the title of the movie is actually a spoiler lol
The junxaposition of it occurring at the same time is the Horror of it, thats wat makes it a great Horror film, the unexpectedness of it! :-)
Unfortunately, this film was a dumpster fire. Heavy handed and WAY over the top with it's message, other than the lead the rest of the cast were completely uninteresting and underdeveloped, and some of the decisions in the third act were nonsensical or boarding on outright stupid. Shame, as I was looking forward to this one.
This story was stolen from a different writer, I can’t remember her name unfortunately but she wrote this, presented it to the production company behind the film, they told her they weren’t gonna use it anymore after shooting a couple scenes, but then antebellum trailer drops and it’s her same property just a different name with very little changes. If you type in antebellum story stolen to Twitter you might find it.
I enjoyed it. Good cast, good story. I felt like a black mirror episode by the end of the movie. I knew there was a twist to it from the trailer and I was trying to figure out what the twist was throughout the movie. I can understand if it isn't for everyone but it was perfectly fine for me. Thumbs up.
Good for you as a reviewer you show the importance of being forthright!
That would be a great idea for a series for your channel having somebody on (via Skype or Zoom) that either really disliked a film you liked or really liked a film you disliked and debating why you both feel that way about it.
this might possibly be your best review especially the latter half that talks about politics of this movie and the climate in which this was made.
I really liked this movie, the plot twist was interesting. So an A- from me.
I would have liked to watch a revolt from all the kidnapped people, it would have been more fulfilling than just her against her kidnappers.
great premise, but man did they botch the implementation
Do you think there will be a part two?
I highly recommend NotYourMommasHistory's review of Antebellum.
Please make a video on where RoboCop 2 went wrong
They upped the violent, but lost the heart and humor. I did not realize it was directed by Empire Strikes Back director. The 1st one was nearly a perfect movie with a good balance of sci-fi action and humor.
I have not seen the film. I have only read/watched the reviews, so I cannot comment as to whether this is a well-made, edited and scored film. Judging from the trailer, Antebellum seems to reference themes from The Hunt (2020) and The Purge series with a touch of Tyler Perry (for the Act 2 portions of the modern world with Veronica). As for showing the brutality of slavery, I feel that 12 Years A Slave (2013) is the better film. I would love to see Dan discuss (not debate) this movie with someone who has not reviewed this movie positively. I am open to changing my (uneducated as only saw the trailer) opinion.
I also liked this movie! As a black woman, this is a fear that I have had: one day they will put us back in chains. Of course, they have done this in different ways presently. But watching holocaust films and reading holocausts books further showed me how mankind is always ready to turn a blind eye to the maltreatment of their fellow man. It was terrifying to see my fears and nightmares on the screen. And that is the whole point of horror films and psychological thrillers. Stepford wives prey on the fears of middle class white women losing their sense of self, Texas Chainsaw preys on the fears of travelers, Jaws and Poseidon preys on the fears of ship captains, etc.
I'm with Dan on this. The movie isn't as bad as critics are claiming. That said, I feel the marketing made it look like a hardcore horror movie, and its not that exactly
Genius! I loved it and can’t wait to watch it again.
SPOILERS: agreed, like them panning up to the plane after the cell phone thing the previous night was overkill, imo, lmao.....that scene when she lit the fire though, lmfaoooo, freaking hilarious
Was hoping this would be as good “Us” and “Get out”
Move_I_Got_This us was interesting. This movie was trash tho
@Move_I_Got_This I liked Us
@Move_I_Got_This So? lol
I hoped it would be as good as "Get Out". I would never damn a new movie to such a degree as hoping it would be as mediocre and dull as "Us".
Listened through the spoilers thinking I'm not gonna watch the movie, but the twist had me hooked. I might check it out someday.
I had written this movie off when I saw how bad the reviews were, but now I'm more interested in it again.
I loved that this was released VOD - when you got to the spoiler warning, for maybe the 1st time ever (good thing or I would've ruined it for myself) I didn't continue and instead, rented it here on youtube, watched it right away and then immediately as the credits roled (after the bulldozer) came and finished watching your commentary (thought you'd have a little more to say but will re-watch your review all at once now. I really, really, really enjoyed this movie, I'm not usually a horror movie fan but this movie doesn't go over the top with gore though of course there is brutality and violence. I thought the performances were really great. I think it is, like you said Dan, a warning.
Antebellum's release yesterday is timely with your president's most recent disgusting speech (and bizarre accompanying executive order) regarding what kind of history and propaganda should be taught in U.S. schools. In Canada, we definitely need to continue making certain that more REAL history, which includes all Canadians experiences, is taught in our schools. I can only speak to what has changed in Ontario in recent years since it's where I live and where my kids have also gone to school and I'm glad to say there is more REAL history being taught in schools, but it's definitely not enough on its own, and our kids are still not being given enough of the full picture. ANYHOW all that to say I'm not claiming the U.S. is unique in having much more work to do but it is especially frustrating to feel like such a large voice in the world has so many powerful people actively, blatantly trying to go backwards and erase or ignore reality.
Thanks for an interesting review Dan, I didn't even realise Antebellum had been released yesterday until watching this.
Thanks Dan
So I will have to admit that, not having seen any ads for this, I assumed it was one of those Conjuring movies. Oh, Annabelle, never mind...
Having said that, it sounds interesting.
I kind of wish I saw it in the theater. So I could see the wtf look on everyones face as the leave
I can't wait to see this in theaters
I liked this movie. As I said when I first watched it, this is not a movie for or about our ancestors. There are many movies already made that seek to understand their experiences. This is a movie for and about us. There has never been a movie that delved into this subject in quite the same way. It was a needed contribution. I found the slavery scenes necessary to understand the brutality that could exist if those with enough hatred and money are given enough power. There could be a part of the world where this could actually happen to people. People who feel like the slaveholders do in Antebellum do exist. It is an excellent cautionary tale of what could happen if we fail to excise the hatred from our hearts and from our societies.
M. Night Shymalan's smiling on the twist of this film.
The Village/Antebellum is the double-feature I never knew I needed until tonight
Thanks Dan for this honest review. I've so much negative things about this movie, I almost wrote it off.
Totally disagree on everything save the cinematography. That was stunning. I was also moved by the opening shot. The plot had so much potential but horribly executed. Ambitious but...
I was actually irritated after having spent time watching.
This is unusual for me to ask after watching any of your reviews , but after 15 minutes watching this, i am not sure i understand what you think of this movie. if i see it, do you think i will enjoy it? Or is it like a college course where you get some knowledge and perspective but you wish you were somewhere else?
Would love to support the podcast, but I honestly only use RUclips (and occasionally Spotify).
Was expecting more of weird and horrific scenes. It's not what I expected but it's okay.
Revenge is a dish best served cold..not to spoil the film
Probably not going to watch it but still an interesting review. The spoiler sounded meh at first, but the way you described it sounded interesting.
This is my first season watching RHOP,
Are you doing reviews for I'm Thinking of Ending Things or The Devil All the Time?
12:35 Dan, I would love to watch a discussion between you and Alonso Duralde about this movie. Maybe the whole BAD podcast.
This movie was horrible and the plot twist was ridiculous.
This sounds like the book Kindred by Octavia Butler.
Definitely a great value version
Dan, where's the anime videos???
Trailers were so misleading, even showing scenes that weren’t included in the film. It was edited like a horror film, which is probably due to it trying to be so much like Get Out. Honestly so disappointed and feel like I wasted my time and money.
This sounds like it's a lot like M. Night Shyamalan's The Village.
Her name is VERONICA
Your review intrigued me enough to look for the plot on Wikipedia..... And damn it looks pretty bad :/
I don’t know for exactly how long this movie was in production, but it seems to be a rejected treatment for Westworld.
I like how people (white) say wow this reflexes whats happening now. LOL, its always been happening but now you see it.
Reflexes lol
@@ElBandido_1 reflects lol...thanks
I'm really surprised that you thought the acting was solid. I don't think that Janelle Monae did a good job at all, especially as Veronica. I also didn't buy the modern day friendships. They seemed forced and uncomfortable. Everything on the plantation (especially in the third act) felt nonsensical. It's almost as if the actors were waiting around for the next thing to happen, with no reaction. It was bizarre. I was so looking forward to this movie, I'm glad I watched it but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.
The marketing is the worst part of this movie
you're the second person to get the character name wrong. her name isn't Vanessa or Victoria .. its Veronica
Thanks for the review. I will not be watching this movie
The moment you said “US senators” the image flashed in my head is Lindsay Graham for some reason...(don’t be mad. I’m not even American...I just watch lots of US news...)
For a first featture film is great, but for me the movie didn't make me think nothing knew that I already think everyday of my life living in Brasil and watching the same problems with race happening in the USA. Very frustrating.
Maybe this movie works more on people whom are not that well educate on the subject, for whatever reason.
My favourite thing about the movie is the best friend cliche. Hard not to fell in love watching Gabourey on the screen.
Gabourey Sidibe was the most obnoxious, unlikeable character ive seen in a long time. I felt like the movie wanted me to like or agree with her as she harassed and embarrased servers and Uber drivers. And yeah im sure that dude at the restaurant wanted HER out of the three women at that table.
I thought the movie as a whole was bad. Heavy handed message/lectures, unlikeable characters, plot holes, silly twist, cartoonish villains.
It says nothing new. We know slavery was horrible, but todays issues dont compare so the message is faulty.
To me this movie fell flat, the story could have used some reworks. I do agree that the cast was great and a lot of the shots where well done. But because the story was not trying to make you think the movie did little more for me than shouting "Racism is bad, slavery is/was horrible!!!". Which, yeah no shit I don't think there is anyone who would argue that. I think this movie could have done more by using the civil war acts and use them to reflect on current world problems. They could have shown the similarities and show that we barely got anywhere since. Now it just becomes surreal to the point that you don't feel connected to IRL situations. This might be different to others but I simply felt a huge disconnect. IMO it would have been better if it where actually 2 timelines that she was living and every time she went to sleep she would move on with the other timeline, like she was having some sort of ongoing dream each night. Than she could have been effected by the things that happen in one timeline and use that knowledge in the timeline she would currently be in. For example, in current day she starts seeing more and more similarities between the way people act IRL and people in her dream and she starts seeing what this will lead to. Than as she goes to sleep and wakes up in the civil war area she starts apply all she knows from her on going fight against racism IRL to start an uprising. Than the twist could be that she is not actually dreaming and that she simply exists in both timelines. This can be when she gets branded for example, in stead of having her wake up all chill have her wake up screaming in agony only to find the brand on he back. In this situation I would probably have this happen later in the movie but that's besides the point.
"The big detractor" is so pervasive as to ruin the film.
THANK YOU for this balanced, nuanced review, and especially for the section where you discuss historical and social context.
Couldn't this movie have been an episode of twilight zone?
Wait...that's the twist? I saw the trailer and immediately picked up that that was the plot, was that supposed to be secret?
Watch it and find out dork
@@r0bz1985 🤣🤣🤣
I didn't like it. I was expecting quality thought provoking horror. I did not see Jordan Peele calibur horror. I guess I should have seen that coming since he did not write or direct this movie. The producers did a really good job masking this race baiting film as a next level horror movie by associating it with Us and Get Out. My husband and I fell for it and I want my $20 back.
Spoiler...
This movie is not really about the slavery. It's about people who STILL romanticize that time in history. As someone who grew up in the south you see civil war reenactments, confederate statues and flags all the time but no one wants to acknowledge all of the evil that came with it. I think this is the point of the movie