Eight-year-old Kwaku lives with his grandmother Nana in a small village in Ghana. Nana always tells Kwaku a traditional Ghanaian fable about a clever spider called Kwaku as well. Like the spider, the boy is smart and independent and does most of the chores because Nana has a problem with her leg. One day, Kwaku hatches a plan to get a present for Nana - a present he's been wanting to get her for some time.
The gentle, emotional nuances of Evan’s coming-of-age story would have been so beneficial to have incorporated into the life of a POC character. Showing a Black, Asian or Latino young man that is afforded the space to be vulnerable, flawed and sensitive while driving a compelling and widely-loved narrative would have been a game changer.
Stevan Lee Mraovitch’s film is a beautiful tribute to family, found family, and the lengths people will go to support their loved ones.
2026 ranks highest in Oscars history for its representation of minorities in all categories, and that’s definitely something to be celebrated.
There’s been a longstanding criticism of sci-fi films about its lack of Black characters. For the past few years, Anthony Mackie has been successfully representing Black masculinity in the otherwise homogenous genre and I am here for it.
‘Better Than Chocolate’ isn’t perfect, but it sure has charm! The characters are great. Some took longer to grow on me than others, but ultimately they’re all compelling! I appreciate how a select few help those around them to grow.
