![]() She’s able to capture Selah’s interiority, perfectly articulating that which the character never says aloud. Poe infuses the film with so much style and eloquence, conveying Selah’s every emotion and thought process with nearly intrusive close-ups that offer a brief window into her soul. ![]() Selah is deeply flawed and oh so human, which makes the exploration of her character all the more fascinating and Lovie Simone absolutely nails the portrayal. Selah demands perfection because perfection is expected of her in every aspect of her life and she takes extreme measures to stay on top, spiraling to keep the only thing she believes she has left. The exclusion of others includes Maxxie (Jharrel Jerome), who acts as more of an associate than a friend and whom Selah alienates instead of lets in. At the same time, her actions and ego keep people at arm’s length, isolating her deepest emotions and insecurities in favor of a strong facade. She’s assertive in her control over the Spades and is willing to throw away friendships to keep a grip on her position. If she can’t be the best, then what is there left to be? Who will remember her after she graduates from Haldwell if she’s so easily replaced by someone arguably more likable and less threatening? Most crucially, perhaps, how does she maintain and control her image if she lets down her guard? Amazon Studios Selah, above all else, is afraid of being erased, worried that her name will be tarnished and forgotten. The film is an intimate character study, an intricate exploration of the fear of failure, living up to unattainable expectations, and leaving behind a legacy. Selah and the Spades isn’t a run of the mill coming of age story it’s far more complex and dynamic, with a sophisticated eye for detail and depth that showcases Poe’s strong point of view. To maintain her position, Selah is often stuck between being feared and being liked as a leader - a line that is further complicated by the arrival of Paloma (Celeste O’Connor), a new student whom Selah takes under her wing. ![]() Selah runs the most powerful faction, the Spades, and is responsible for buying and selling drugs, alcohol, and other contraband. The factions essentially control the school’s underground, running the show behind the scenes and providing the students with a multitude of products and services. The film begins with an introduction to the five factions that make up Haldwell School, a prestigious east coast boarding school. Subtle, multidimensional, and thought-provoking, the film is a smart and subversive foray into the world of Selah Summers ( Greenleaf’s Lovie Simone). Written and directed by Tayarisha Poe, Selah and the Spades is a stylish, emotionally-charged feature film debut.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |