Katya (Shelly Michelle -Julia Roberts' body double in Pretty Woman) is the world's most beautiful and talented ballerina. On stage she is a picture of poise and grace. Off stage she hides a burning passion for love which remains hidden until she begins to relate her hidden desires and fantasies to a magazine journalist sent to interview her. Not surprisingly her desire soon turns to reality as she enters a world full of sexual encounters which in turn brings a new energy to her dancing.
If you are a discerning movie watcher and/or an African-American with a modicum of Black consciousness, this film isn’t for you. It would be better to watch the documentary ‘They Fight’ to see the impactful, emotional story of Walter Manigan and the young men of DC’s Ward 8.
Films can alleviate alienation by presenting realities where the viewers feelings are shared by onscreen characters. The film 'Shrek' can be interpreted as a transgender story.
I can say without question, that this is the first movie I’ve ever seen where art imitates life so much that I could 100% identify with it on a personal level. The predominately Black cast of characters are people with hopes, dreams, fears, and ambitions.
A direct fall into the white savior narrative
Overall, “Dark Fate” is a run-of-the-mill flick. Together, Reyes and Davis have excellent chemistry, but their characters’ story is nothing new, lacking surprise and deep emotion. During the middle points, the film drags considerably, and when the action hits, it feels consistently tight, eliminating the rhythm and fluidity of conflicts.
Barry Jenkins' masterpiece holds up as the story of a lifetime centered on the intersection of Blackness and gay identity.
