Melina Matsoukas’ 2019 film Queen & Slim, written by Lena Waithe, has once again become a hot topic on social media. The film, which follows a Black couple on the run after killing a police officer in self-defense, was initially met with both praise and criticism upon its release. However, a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) has reignited discussions, with many users harshly criticizing the film, while others passionately defend it.
The discourse was triggered when an X user posted a still from the film with the caption, “Top 10 worst movies I’ve ever seen.” The post quickly went viral, accumulating thousands of engagements as people debated the film’s storytelling, themes, and execution.
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
Criticism: Plot, Pacing, and Character Development
Many of the negative reactions focused on the film’s narrative, character arcs, and overall impact. Some viewers felt that the film’s execution fell short of its potential, despite its ambitious premise.
One user expressed outright disdain, saying:
“Simp ass [expletive] killed a cop, went on the run & died over a [woman] with no hair or no [body] that wasn’t his. They could have kept this [expletive] in the archives.”
Another user shared their disappointment in not enjoying the film as much as they had anticipated:
“Every time I see somebody say how bad this movie is, I laugh because I wanted to see this movie BAD! I’m glad I didn’t waste my time though.”
Some viewers also pointed out that the film’s pacing and storytelling did not deliver the level of tension and engagement they expected. One user wrote:
“Truly. I saw it with an old friend, told her it was wack, and she said to rewatch. I did and was annoyed because what type of suspenseful movie leads to a shitty ending? I did cry at the ending because I liked how the message played out, but dookie.”
Others found the film outright dull, with one user simply stating:
“Didn’t even make it through … a sleep fest.”
Support: A Powerful and Emotional Story
Despite the heavy criticism, some social media users stood by the film, arguing that Queen & Slim was a powerful piece of cinema that successfully explored themes of systemic racism, police violence, and Black love. One user defended it by saying:
“I’ll stand 10 toes that I love this movie.”
Another person acknowledged the film’s emotional impact, particularly its ending, which sparked varied reactions from audiences:
“The ending broke me. It’s tragic, but that was the point. It’s about how society views Black people—even when they are victims.”
However, even among those who recognized the film’s thematic weight, there were critiques of its storytelling approach. Some felt that the movie leaned too heavily on trauma as a narrative device, which has been a growing criticism of Black films in Hollywood.
A Film That Has Always Been Divisive
The backlash isn’t entirely new. Upon its release in 2019, Queen & Slim divided both audiences and critics. While some praised it for its striking cinematography and timely subject matter, others felt it reinforced harmful stereotypes rather than challenging them.
A 2019 review from Pop Culture Reviews criticized the film’s romanticization of Black trauma, stating:
“There is nothing romantic about intertwining Black love with protest, pain, and death. It’s tasteless and serves no purpose other than to remind audiences that Hollywood has no idea what Black love truly is.”
Similarly, a piece from The Cultural Front examined the challenges Black cultural critics faced when discussing Queen & Slim, noting that many felt pressured to either praise the film or risk being accused of not supporting Black filmmakers.
The Larger Debate: Black Trauma in Hollywood Storytelling
The renewed debate over Queen & Slim taps into a broader discussion about how Black stories are told in mainstream media. Many viewers feel fatigued by narratives that center on Black suffering, especially those that end in tragedy. Critics argue that while films like Queen & Slim are meant to highlight systemic issues, they also risk perpetuating a sense of hopelessness rather than empowerment.
On the other hand, some argue that telling these stories is necessary to reflect the realities of racial injustice in America. Filmmaker Melina Matsoukas and writer Lena Waithe have both defended the film as a necessary exploration of contemporary issues. In past interviews, Waithe has expressed that Queen & Slim was meant to be an emotional journey, not a conventional hero story.
A Film That Won’t Be Forgotten
Whether loved or hated, Queen & Slim remains a film that sparks conversation. The latest wave of criticism on social media demonstrates how audiences continue to process and interpret its themes, even years after its release. While some see it as a beautifully shot, poignant commentary on race and justice, others view it as a misguided attempt at storytelling that failed to offer a satisfying or meaningful resolution.
As discussions about representation and storytelling in Hollywood evolve, films like Queen & Slim will continue to be dissected, debated, and reevaluated. Whether it stands the test of time as an important work of cinema or a deeply flawed attempt at social commentary, one thing is certain—it won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
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