More Than Workplace Drama

Read Time:3 Minute, 59 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
The Other Black Girl
TV-14 –

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 10 x 28m episodes
Cast: Sinclair Daniel, Ashleigh Murray, Brittany Adebumola, Hunter Parrish, Bellamy Young, Eric McCormack. Garcelle Beauvais
Where To Watch: The entire series premieres September 13, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Take a journey with me through New York City's publishing world and the many unforeseen hurdles in this reality. THE OTHER BLACK GIRL transports us into Nella Rogers’ world, brought to life vividly by Sinclair Daniel. Amidst the towering pillars of Wagner Books, Nella charts her journey, trying to overcome, standing out as the sole Black woman in a workspace. When Hazel, portrayed with finesse by Ashleigh Murray, enters the scene, things drastically change when Hazel’s sudden changes within the company cause a shade of uncertainty and some new revelations for Nella.

Hulu didn’t just adapt Zakiya Dalila Harris’s novel; they recreated it, letting it breathe on screen. This is in large part due to Harris taking on the role of helping to adapt the book into a series. It’s like viewing a painting come to life – and what's more, Harris’s use of personal memories from her time in the industry are sprinkled throughout. This gives every scene a weight of authenticity, almost like a behind-the-scenes scoop into the publishing world's true face. The series looks at the toxic nature of tokenism in publishing.

THE OTHER BLACK GIRL isn’t your average professional journey tale. Nope. It’s a cinematic microscope zooming into the roles that Black professionals, more often than not, find themselves boxed into. Nella and Hazel's on-screen chemistry is undeniable, revealing the often unseen professional tightropes Black professionals tread daily. This series becomes more than its pieces, showing what women, specifically women of color, can accomplish when they put their minds to it.

It’s not all tense and heavy. Harris ensures a dash of humor, almost like a timely palate cleanser amidst the gritty themes of racial bias. The relatable dialogues of the series make you feel comfortable and extremely uncomfortable when they want you to be. They draw you in, making you nod in agreement, primarily when it discusses the nuances of representation.

The cast of this series is the glue that holds it together, delivering these poignant words so well. Along with Daniel and Murray, Brittany Adebumola, embodying Malaika, is a whirlwind of emotions and plays a pivotal role in keeping Nella grounded. Then there’s Hunter Parrish, playing Owen, who paints the picture of an ideal supportive partner so many secretly wish for. Bellamy Young portrays Vera Parini, who plays a pivotal role as an editor at Wagner Books. And last but certainly not least, Eric McCormack gives us a sneak peek into the world of Richard Wagner, the man behind the curtain of Wagner Books.

In a nutshell, THE OTHER BLACK GIRL is like that one scene in every movie that remains etched in memory long after the credits roll, but it's the entire series, not just a moment. It’s a deep dive into racial dynamics, ambitions, and the ghosts of the past. Harris’s storytelling prowess is like the director who knows the right angle for every shot, helping to make the series a visual and narrative delight. So, while it was a fantastic experience, it's also a mirror reflecting society's harsh truths. Beyond being a compelling tale, it’s an open invitation – to remember, to discuss, and most importantly, to understand. THE OTHER BLACK GIRL promises a viewing experience worth your time!

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[photo courtesy of HULU]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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