It took us a minute to cover Black Is King, but it wasn’t because we weren’t overly excited about Beyoncé’s latest film project. It was because we wanted to let all the fans (and critics) have a chance to watch the masterpiece without some blog spoiling all the best moments.
Now that it has been nearly a week (you wasn’t expecting us to wait forever, were you?) since the film dropped on Disney+, we finally get to open our big mouths and speak our minds on yet another awe-inspiring production from the family-oriented boss. Here’s our top 10 greatest moments from Black Is King:
10. The lighting. The art of lighting black people for film is beyond important. Darker skin tones can absorb more light and sometimes, if the light isn’t right, it floods out the subject making it difficult to see clearly. Natural accent lighting, light mixing, diffusion and the use of the appropriate gels seem to all be in effect in the film. As a result, the variations in skin color from light to dark come off equally beautiful. Round of applause to the production team for great execution.
9. The fashion, period. Beyoncé’s outfits were magnificent. During a performance of one of her best songs “Find Your Way Back,” currently on The MouthSoap Playlist, arguably the greatest entertainer of our time dazzles in disco and African inspired garb. Adorned in colorful assortments of paints, beads and sequins, she gracefully delights the eye with signature African dances. The rest of the film is like a fashion show out of the hearts of the most innovative African and futuristic fashion designers. It’s simultaneously eye-catching and inspiring and a true lesson in what it means to have self-esteem.
8. The hair. Beyoncé rocked every single braid, kinky curl and wet and wavy look you can imagine. The hair colors were beautiful, with expressions of ash, honey and chocolate embracing every coil. Again, the superstar brought the hair show to the people. If you want ideas for your next occasion, just watch this film.
7. The shoutout to Coming To America. In an awesome ode to the classic Eddie Murphy film Coming To America, Jay Z makes his grand entrance riding out to an African palace where Queen Bey awaits. The spectacular scene, which appears to be in a house that looks similar to that of the first black female millionaire Madam C.J. Walker’s (we later find out it’s actually Beyoncé’s house), is the set of the black excellence song “MOOD 4 EVA.” It becomes a family affair when Kelly Rowland, Tina Knowles, and Gloria Carter make cameos.
6. Passing the torch. Blue Ivy’s immaculate appearances of her stepping into her mother’s shoes were not only adorable, but showed that this family is all about legacy and passing the torch forward to the next generation. Golden attributes that all mankind should consider.
5. The life lessons. The film is riddled with wholesome tales and messages that can be applied to life as we know it. “Life is a set of choices, lead or be led astray. Follow your light or lose it.” Beyoncé’s wise words are followed by Scar asking little Simba, “Who are you?” Then, the cautionary song “Jealousy” oozes out of the screen, accompanied by snakes and questionable characters. It’s a must watch.
4. You’re part of something way bigger. Beyoncé started the Disney film with “Bigger,” one of the most inspiring songs on The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. There’s a scene where the mother of three sits on the bronze sands of what appears to be Africa with her oldest daughter Blue Ivy. The scene is bigger than life and truly a galvanizing beginning of what turns out to be substantive storytelling of the black experience in all its glory.
3. Beyoncé & Friends. Beyoncé ushered in a whole new class of entertainers to the U.S. music scene. She featured some powerful artists that included Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Shatta Wale and many more. This film is not only a musical journey, but it’s also a full on manual of who’s next. Class in session, kids.
2. Self-love and sisterhood. Beyoncé gives us another reason to be proud to be black. The scene for “BROWN SKIN GIRL” features Naomi Campbell, Luptia Nyong’o, and all the ladies of her family, including Blue Ivy, Rumi, Tina Knowles and Kelly Rowland. By the way, Solange makes an appearance during another segment as a dancer. But, back to the topic at hand. Full of emotion, the heartfelt moment was a powerful message of self-love and sisterhood.
1. Coded messages. In one particular part of the film, Beyoncé tells people to get “In line already, it’s time already” as part of her song with Shatta Wale and Major Lazer titled “Already.” After watching the visual and seeing the lyrics on the screen, it appears that Beyoncé is continuing her message from her 2016 hit “Formation” when she told her listeners to get in formation. In retrospect, now it is apparent she was using a double entendre saying “get information” while “getting in formation”. Now, with her latest contribution, she’s saying it’s time. Take it how you want it, but Beyoncé has a lot to say and it’s deeper than music.
Honorable mentions. The fact that the Houston native was able to interweave stories from the Bible into the story of The Lion King was an incredible feat itself that is sure to be a topic of conversation on social media.
Beyond that, glorious landscapes were also featured throughout the film, with a primary focus on earth tones clashing with vibrant colors.
Lastly, the longest braids ever seen. There’s a scene where Beyoncé is propped up on a ladder and her chocolate and blondish braids have to be more than 12 feet long it seems! It was a great moment that belongs in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Overall, the cinematic experience was another notch to add to her already heavy belt, but even bigger than that, Beyoncé is setting a precedent for an uprising of black excellence, intelligence and growth. The compelling love story to her people is one that will forever leave an imprint on her legacy and the world.
