PIC of the Week – Antebellum
Review by Ray Schillaci
I’m going out on a limb with this PIC from Artisan/Lionsgate because of the power it packs. Antebellum begins with a quote from William Faulkner, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Truer words have never been so apropos for a film. Writers/directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz’s film is not perfect. In fact, there are a number of things that will bother the viewer: timing, editing, and quite possibly the subject matter. But, the subject matter is timely and some will even equate it with what is going on now in this hot bed of a political climate.
I have to say I had an advantage over other first time viewers. I knew very little about the film and I would highly recommend everyone else do the same. Yes, it has to do with the South and Antebellum where slavery was the primary reason for the economic growth of that region. A Louisiana plantation is being run by the Confederate States Army. You can only imagine the horrors that the slaves will be put through.
One particular slave, Eden, appears very different from the rest. She has very odd ways about her, and it is quietly rumored that she is some sort of leader, but urges any mention to be silent. She insists the other slaves keep silent until the time is right. We are not sure what is being planned, and we endure the pain and suffering of the slaves for approximately 38 minutes until we are jettisoned to the present.
The same actress, Janelle Monáe playing Eden, is now Veronica Henley, a successful author and activist. We follow her daily duties and can plainly see the juxtaposition of the two lives past and present and how far the African-American community has come, or have they? Through several uncomfortable and odd moments we and Veronica witness the undercurrent – undoing of progress. Eventually, Veronica’s life is upturned and the writers slowly merge us into what could be Twilight Zone country and taking a swift turn into an M. Night Shyamalan twist.
What may be confusing and frustrating in the first half of the film suddenly comes too light. A big “A-ha” moment is had, and we find ourselves in total suspense and cheering our heroine on. Antebellum is a slow-burn worth the wait.
Sadly, I could not get my hands on the 4K version which is said to have a gorgeous and polished look. The film was shot digitally and is an upscale digital 4K presentation. The Blu keeps its luster, but at no time does the film languish with pretty fairy tale colors like Spielberg’s The Color Purple. Antebellum’s color palette provides a harsher look with some very dark moody scenes that are downright chilling.
English Dolby Atmos is provided on the 4K, English 7.1 TrueHD compatible. The sound mix is very even with the plantation and present era. Everything is so well defined, from the hoes cultivating the land to the whispers in the dark and sounds of the big city. There are the appropriate jarring moments that will make you jump out of your seat. The soundtrack makes great use of surround sound. At one point, I actually thought someone else was in my house and I had to check it out.
You will probably have a better appreciation of the film once you get into the extras provided. But, whatever you do, do not read the back for the description of the movie. I’ve already revealed enough with my review. Bonuses are as follows:
• The History in Front of Us: Deconstructing Antebellum
• A Hint of Horror: The Clues of Antebellum
• Opening Antebellum
• Deleted scenes
• Theatrical trailers
I admit, in the beginning I was frustrated as to where the film was going. But, as time went on and the mystery unraveled, I found myself caught up in Eden/Veronica’s life. Antebellum is a daring movie that may find some calling it inflammatory with its message. I felt it was thought provoking and justified even with its blemishes. By the way, I felt the Blu was a strong enough presentation and did not feel the need for the upgrade to 4K. Yes, the picture and sound is a step above. But, the difference is minimal.
Lowest Price – Walmart: $24.99 (4K), $19.96 (Blu-Ray)
Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com
Directed by: Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Run Time: 105 Minutes
Rated: R
Country: USA
Distributor: Lionsgate
