Movie Summary"Nappily Ever After" is a 2018 American romantic funny film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and written by Adam Brooks and Cee Marcellus. The movie stars Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, and Lyriq Bent and is based upon Trisha R. Thomas' 2001 book of the exact same name.
Facility and Plot The movie follows the journey of Violet Jones (Sanaa Lathan), a refined and perfection-obsessed advertising executive who juggles expectations from her demanding task, her live-in sweetheart, Clint (Ricky Whittle), and her imperious mother (Lynn Whitfield). She's been taught from a young age that the power of a female lies in her long, straight hair, which becomes a relentless determine that dictates her life.
The film progresses with Jones' best life taking an unanticipated turn after a mishap at the beauty parlor. Left with a shaved head, Violet is required to reconsider her perception of charm, embarking on a self-discovery journey that breaks social standards. After Clint proposes to her not as an act of love but as a treatment to her 'crazy' shenanigans, a disheartened Violet seeks solace in the arms of a flamboyant hairstylist and single daddy, Will Wright (Lyriq Bent).
Character Development and ResolutionViolet slowly begins to welcome her natural self, as she and Will fall in love. The film perfectly encapsulates the process of internal transformation, recording her realization that she is more than her look, which her appeal, strength, and worth are innate and not determined by the standards set by society or her mom.
However, Violet's relationship with Will takes a downturn when she reverts to correcting her hair for a job opportunity, showing the systemic predisposition that typically pressures black females to adhere their hair to Eurocentric requirements for acceptance or success in their professional lives. The choice deepens the rift between Violet and Will, who sees this serve as Violet's inability to stay real to herself.
Despite the obstacles, Violet continues her journey towards self-empowerment and approval. Towards the climax of the film, she challenges her own insecurities and societal bias throughout a poignant public speech, asserting that charm has to do with being comfortable in one's skin and declining social expectations.
Concluding Remarks"Nappily Ever After" ends on a confident and empowering note with Violet and Will fixing up and her finding success and happiness on her own terms without the shackles of societal beauty requirements. The film is a witty and interesting narrative that grapples with the complexities of identity, race, and appeal standards.
Critique"Nappily Ever After" acts as a compelling expedition of the black female identity in contemporary society. It successfully handles deep-seated cultural biases around appeal, particularly worrying African American hair and offers an uplifting narrative about self-acceptance and self-love. Lathan's exceptional efficiency as Violet provides a strongly inspiring message, and the movie's vibrant confrontation of societal appeal standards makes it a must-watch.
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