Cinema Sundays: Queen & Slim
Photos via Universal, Campbell Addy, Myung J. Chun, Lelanie Foster
Queen & Slim (2019)
Directed by Melina Matsoukas
Production Design by Karen Murphy
Costume Design by Shiona Turini
This film… this film is absolutely fucking everything, from the Devonte Hynes score to the costume design by Shiona Turini to the heart-wrenching storyline of Queen & Slim played out by Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith and of course the brilliance of the collaboration between Melina Matsoukas directing and Lena Waithe’s screenplay.
In "Queen & Slim," the narrative opens with the chance encounter between Jodie Turner-Smith's character, "Queen," and Daniel Kaluuya's character, "Slim," on a Tinder date. Their initial connection is unremarkable, but a tragic incident on their ride home alters the course of their relationship. From strangers to partners, Queen and Slim embark on a perilous journey from Ohio to Cuba, seeking refuge from the law. Along the way, they confront the harsh realities of racism and discrimination, reflecting the challenges faced by black individuals in America. Often likened to a modern-day black Bonnie and Clyde, their story becomes a poignant exploration of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. As they navigate the perils of their journey, Queen and Slim's bond deepens, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. You’ll be guaranteed to be gripped to the screen for the full runtime right till the very last scene which hauntingly closes out to Moses Sumneys Doomed.
Costume designer Shiona Turini's collaboration with director Melina Matsoukas marks another milestone in their creative partnership. Previously, Turini crafted the iconic looks for Beyoncé's "Formation" video, including the memorable Gucci dress worn atop a sinking police car. Her expertise also shines in the wardrobe of the HBO comedy "Insecure" and other notable projects. Despite her lack of experience in feature films, Turini embraced the challenge of outfitting the characters in "Queen & Slim." One standout ensemble is the custom Gucci logo tracksuit, worn by Queen's Uncle Earl (Bokeem Woodbine) and designed in collaboration with Harlem legend Dapper Dan and his Gucci team. Another pivotal element is the snakeskin boots worn by the characters, designed by Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies. Those boots were made for talking… if you’ve seen the film, you’ll know the boots will linger in your mind for days, months, years to come, they will forever remain imprinted leaving a real lasting impression. In fact they’ve been on my list to source ever since I saw the film multiple times over and one day I keep faith they’ll be mine along with that custom Adam Selman dress. Turini's attention to detail extends to Queen's transformational journey, where an existing Adam Selman dress symbolizes her evolution. This dress, chosen by Matsoukas for its perfect fit and durability, serves as Queen's armor, allowing her to navigate the challenges ahead while staying true to her character's essence. Aka my dream outfits and a wardrobe I’d be happy to live out the end of my days in.
