Hulu’s Queenie, based on Candice Carty-Williams’ 2019 novel of the same name, sets audiences in South London and inside the world of Queenie Jenkins (Dionne Brown), a 25-year-old British-Jamaican woman figuring out life, love, and how to let go. Yet while there’s humor to be found in watching Queenie navigate disappointments in those areas amid pressure from her traditional Caribbean grandparents—The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Joseph Marcell portrays her grandad Wilfred—the coming-of-age story takes a serious look at trauma, particularly Queenie’s resulting from being abandoned by her mother, and how that trickles down into other aspects of her life.
“Queenie's relationship with her mum is the through line of the whole thing,” Carty-Williams tells xoNecole. “It's always really interesting for people to focus on the men or work. It's like, fine because those things are there, but this is literally a book about a girl and her mum and how she wasn't loved in the way that she should have been by her mum, and her mum having to understand that. Anything that Queenie does, there's a direct link to her not being loved enough by that central relationship in her life.”
L-R: Tilly Keeper, Candice Carty-Williams, Dionne Brown, Bellah
Disney/Jack Henry
When Carty-Williams wrote the original source material, she noted the book wasn’t autobiographical but rather borrowed themes from her life and the lives of her friends. The subject of estranged maternal relationships among Black women, she says, is one that isn’t acknowledged enough.
“As I get older, I meet Black women who have really great relationships with their mum. But actually, I don't think it's that commonplace. Our mums, a lot of the time, were surviving and just trying to make their way in Britain. There isn’t a handbook for raising daughters, a handbook for being Black and raising a Black daughter in a country that doesn't really want you there. And that's what this is about. This is about thinking about that relationship and also being gentle on both sides. I never wanted to present Queenie's mom as a villain. I wanted to present her as someone who is also finding her way.”
Lionsgate/Latoya Okuneye
The gentleness Carty-Williams applied to her storytelling is the same lens through which British singer-songwriter Bellah, who plays Queenie’s bestie Kyazike in the series, would like audiences to look at Queenie’s experiences. Be it her inability to properly communicate her feelings with her friends and family or the journey of sexual exploration she finds herself on with a slew of white male suitors.
“I just feel like the self-righteousness of it all, on a fictional character, like, let's all get a grip a little bit,” says Bellah. “Yes, [the episodes] are based on real events that can happen to people and do happen to people, and it's inspired, but Queenie is a fictional character. Let's go outside and touch grass. Just a little bit. Do you know what I'm saying? There are important stories to be touched on. Incredible themes, hard themes, traumas, all of that to be explored. Life imitates art and so on and so forth but keep the think pieces to a minimum.”
Adds Brown of Queenie’s romantic choices, “This is one Black woman's story. It's not everybody's story. You don't know until you know, so leave it alone.”
The Cast of ‘Queenie’ Reminds Viewers “This is One Black Woman’s Story”
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Feature image by Disney/Ramona Rosales
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
