Antebellum

OK I have to overrate here. This is another film that spreads hateful racist propaganda and yet it has its qualities and manages to impress. I was looking forward to Antebellum a lot and in the end it's a bit disappointing that it's more of a dense thriller-driven drama than a horror film, but it still won me over. I liked similarly-themed films, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Jordan Peele, and I have to admit that the talented Janelle Monáe gives an absolutely stunning performance (Moonlight, Hidden Figures and Harriet, three Oscar-nominated films). She is one of the few actresses who gives great performances, but is also an incredibly beautiful woman who, I empathised with strongly throughout the film. I came up with various theories throughout the film, but what the makers came up with at the end blew me away. A very original film that is well shot, superbly acted and the last half hour is charged with tension and emotion. I enjoyed it. Story****, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence**, Entertainment***, Music***, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Suspense***. 7/10. (19.09.2020)

A beautiful example of a film that attentively lays its cards on the table, occasionally dropping a false clue with charm – and then it creeps up, taps me on the shoulder, and I jump up and even thank it. Antebellum ultimately functions in completely different contexts than just genre or narrative expectations. It saddens me that many people cannot or rather do not want to enjoy such a storytelling style supported by visuals due to their inability to see beyond the first signal. (14.12.2021)

The concept is excellent, but the execution is unfortunately so dull that it never gets going. (18.09.2020)