As we’ve entered spring and the weather’s in a transitional phase, I’ve been balancing indulging the beautiful weather and spending colder forecasted days indoors binging some feel-good and relatable content. For a long while, I’ve been limiting social media use and also completely cut out watching the news as it can feel artificial and daunting, respectively. So when it’s time to binge, I get a little selective about my consumption and if you’re feeling the same way, this article might have some true gems for your quality time with the screen.
Here are 6 gems on Netflix that all Black women should watch when you need that good life reset:
Explore The Beauty in Starting Over:
What I’d classify as an animated rom-com, Entergalactic is a must watch. Created by Kid Cudi and executive produced by Kenya Barris, it’s a love story based in NYC. Jabari and Meadow fall for each other almost immediately, but the couple is faced with a road bump when his ex pops back up. This series is relatable because it shows adults in many different walks of life. Meadow, whose best friend is pregnant, is throwing a party at the start of the series and it’s nice seeing such close friends be in different stages of their lives. It’s also implied that Jabari’s character is finally hitting the ground running in his career, and embracing this new life without leaving his authentic self behind. And I can’t forget to show appreciation to the comedic effect Ty Dolla $ign brings to the project. Definitely encourage you to watch and see if Meadow and Jabari are able to overcome this obstacle in the midst of their love.
Been So Long, which highlights a musical element, is the story of a single-mom of a disabled child and a man recently released from prison who lay eyes on each other and their love story begins . It’s beautiful watching Simone, played by Michaela Coel, take a chance on love and let joy enter her life in new ways. In real life, black men who haven’t been incarcerated at the very least know someone who has and how hard it can be to navigate the world after. Watching Raymond find love and work to keep it also made my heart smile.This movie feels like a love story of two people who deserve it the most.
Explore Non-Traditional Black Love:
Have you seen the You People – the modern rom-com about an interracial relationship? When a Black Muslim woman (Amira) and White Jewish man(Ezra) meet and fall for each other, they struggle to blend families. Ezra’s mother is constantly making passive aggressive comments toward Amira’s blackness, all while believing she is doing good. And Amira’s father is pretty much rejecting the fact that his daughter is dating a white man. While addressing real life social issues, the movie is seriously funny and fulfilling seeing how love conquers all. Not to mention, Michelle R. Cole, Costume Designer, and her team really did their thing. The use of streetwear in this film is such a staple in the entire production and is not to be missed. And of course, we always love to see Lauren London on the big screen.
She’s Gotta Have It is a modern remake of the original 1986 Spike Lee Joint that captures art, sexuality, and femininity. We watch the main character, Nola Darling, on her journey of self-discovery and self-preservation, while juggling relationships with her friends as well as 3 lovers. It’s interesting to see Nola navigate a non-monogamous love life, and how it serves her. And while her juggling multiple lovers is the main story line, Nola never fails to put her art and her body first. She’s fearless, creative, and shows passion in every area of her life. The set designers, costume designers, and art directors executed an eccentric take, which also made this fun to watch.
Explore the Stories of Real Black Women:
“How simple a thing it seems to me that to know ourselves as we are, we must know our mothers’ names.” – Alice Walker. In Our Mothers’ Gardens, is a documentary about several black women who trace their roots and traditions back to their mothers. From the deep south like Mississippi and Louisiana all the way to Sierra Leone and Puerto Rico, we watch these women trace their lineage on the map. The word ‘mother’ goes beyond the woman who physically gave us life. This is really highlighted in this documentary as women trace their own trauma, traditions, and healing back to their grandmothers and grand-mothers. Having watched strong, matriarch grandmothers trickles down to the way we blossom as women. It felt so vividly familiar hearing one of the women talk about how her grandmother’s house was always warm, because she was cooking all the time. Educational yet a real comfort, this documentary gives space about all the spiritual healing, love, foods and so much more passed on from the women before us.
Roxanne Roxanne is a biopic based on one of the first notable female rappers, Shante Roxanne. In this film we see her breaking through in her rap career at just 14 years old while battling poverty, abuse, and family issues. Although heart-breaking at the same time, it’s inspiring to see someone so young pursue their dreams and let nothing stop her from that. It’s also lovely to see Roxanne get the praise she deserves. This film also features Nia Long, who does an amazing job in her role as Roxanne’s mother.
What other Netflix shows have been healing for you?
