Caro, can I just say THANK YOU. 🙏🏽I was waiting for your insight. I saw OBAA in IMAX 70mm and I had so many conflicting emotions. Yes, there were beautifully crafted set pieces. Yes, I am glad I saw it in 70mm imax. The scenes of Sergio calmly giving orders to his team while he simultaneously assists a hot mess Leo were wonderful. Also, the vertigo inducing suspense of the hilly car chase. Yup - “cinematic” indeed. I can appreciate it the beauty.
But I am hesitating to view the film again because I am loath to give PTA anymore positive numbers than he is already lapping up, especially since I am seeing so many (mostly white/cis men) film critics compare this to Sinners (big eye roll 🙄😝)as the best film of 2025. I cannot with that comparison. Sinners the film in an entirely different league of cinematic greatness. The two films (imo) cannot and should not be compared when one considers positionality and meta commentary. Also, Sinners is just a more competently written film.
Anyway, just my thoughts after reading your piece. Much love and thank you for this contribution to the critical insight canon re: OBAA.
Caro -- such a great piece. I, too, really found solace (or reassurance) with Brooke's essay. I love how you stayed really focused in your thoughts, as I am still navigating my feelings and the film's distinction between the depictions of Black Women and also the depiction of Black revolutionaries/leaders. Every personal touch you wove in, and every scholarly work mentioned really wrapped this in a bow, brava!!
i was waiting for this one 🫡
i saw your message and was gonna send it to you once it was up, but you beat me to it! 🫡
Caro, can I just say THANK YOU. 🙏🏽I was waiting for your insight. I saw OBAA in IMAX 70mm and I had so many conflicting emotions. Yes, there were beautifully crafted set pieces. Yes, I am glad I saw it in 70mm imax. The scenes of Sergio calmly giving orders to his team while he simultaneously assists a hot mess Leo were wonderful. Also, the vertigo inducing suspense of the hilly car chase. Yup - “cinematic” indeed. I can appreciate it the beauty.
But I am hesitating to view the film again because I am loath to give PTA anymore positive numbers than he is already lapping up, especially since I am seeing so many (mostly white/cis men) film critics compare this to Sinners (big eye roll 🙄😝)as the best film of 2025. I cannot with that comparison. Sinners the film in an entirely different league of cinematic greatness. The two films (imo) cannot and should not be compared when one considers positionality and meta commentary. Also, Sinners is just a more competently written film.
Anyway, just my thoughts after reading your piece. Much love and thank you for this contribution to the critical insight canon re: OBAA.
PS: Regina Hall needs her own movie asap.
Caro -- such a great piece. I, too, really found solace (or reassurance) with Brooke's essay. I love how you stayed really focused in your thoughts, as I am still navigating my feelings and the film's distinction between the depictions of Black Women and also the depiction of Black revolutionaries/leaders. Every personal touch you wove in, and every scholarly work mentioned really wrapped this in a bow, brava!!
you're making me want to go to a film screening alone in a cute fit with a notebook but ready to socialize