For those who are expecting extreme vitriol much like the aforementioned Spike Lee Joint – don’t. Justin Simien’s film is not a love letter to racism in America, but rather a poignant discussion on how the subject of identity and race in our country has evolved. In the project’s third-and-final act, a headline-defining frat party with a Whites-in-Blackface theme propels Sam’s narrative to take shape and is arguably the most monumental part of the whole picture. Throughout Dear White People‘s 100 minute runtime, there are all sorts of double-edged, open-to-interpretation questions being asked by Simien’s dexterous screenwriting. All in all, it is a beautiful swirl of contradictions, not limited by Simien attempting to answer the questions he poses.
In fact, there’s more talk about race, class, culture, representation, social status, identity, and awareness in Dear White People than in any film out in the past few years. And it is strong, too. With the film allowing its characters to not be perfect, Justin Simien’s initial project is littered with ambition and subtle execution, with satire as the sharp-edge point that ties the powerful emotions together.
As important of a film debut as Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, Dear White People may be imperfect in parts, but it is definitely worth your precious time and hard-earned dollars.
You can watch the trailer for Dear White People for yourself below:
Justin Simien’s Dear White People will be in select theaters beginning October 17.