Janelle Monáe is making quite the transition to acting— after breakout performances in films like “Hidden Figures” and “Harriet,” she’s headed up another season of Amazon’s drama “Homecoming.” Now, the singer-turned-actress is facing her toughest role yet. “Antebellum” is one of the most anticipated films of the year, and Monáe’s given the task of leading a film on her own.
The marketing for “Antebellum” has been short on details, with much of its publicity leaving viewers to guess if a woman is dealing with multiple timelines, time travel, or even visions of the future. In a new trailer, Monáe’s character is revealed to be a woman with the perfect family life and an equally successful career. It’s everything a person could want, yet something is very wrong.
Whether the lead character is experiencing something from the past or is in the pre-civil war period as a slave looking at another life is still anyone’s guess, however. Some of the trailer’s most intriguing scenes are set at what appears to be an event full of sinister undertones. Could something in our modern times be the real culprit behind this puzzle?
One aspect that is far from unsolved is the film’s creative team. Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz act as both the screenwriters and directors for the project. Better known as Bush + Renz, this is the duo’s first time helming a film. Prior to “Antebellum”, they were known for a collaboration with Jay-Z as well as numerous commercial campaigns. Time spent in the world of music videos and advertising is apparent in the trailer’s careful pacing as well as its stunning visuals.
Along with the multi-hyphenate Monáe, “Antebellum” also stars Jena Malone, Kiersey Clemons, Jack Huston, and Gabourey Sidibe. It was previously scheduled for release in April of this year but was delayed by the current Covid-19 pandemic. Try to unravel the mystery when the film now opens on August 21.
