Film Review

Jezebel, Mammy and Sapphire

‘Subjects of Desire’ exposes negative imagery of Black women

Art from the film Subjects of Desire shows a number of beautiful black women with their fists up.

I hadn’t been to a movie theater since Just Mercy during the 2019 holiday season. COVID-19 hit in 2020, and even though I’m basically back to normal now with three jabs in my left arm, I think most of us have been busier reconnecting in spaces we can talk rather than sitting silently together in theaters.

Still, it had been so long since I saw a movie on the big screen that I was excited when a friend asked if I wanted to see a film at the Denver Film Festival. After perusing the list of so many interesting films featured, I settled on Subjects of Desire.

Now I’m not one to watch movie trailers or read long summaries. Nowadays trailers are so long you almost feel like you’ve already seen the entire movie. Reminds me of Seth Rogan’s film, Sausage Party, where literally the only two funny scenes were previewed in every promotional ad. I like to be surprised when I go to the movies. To go in with a clear mind and a fresh outlook. To not form opinions about the film before it starts.