Summer Watch List: 10 Of The Latest Must-See Black Films & Shows
You gotta love a good show or movie with a strong black lead and story you can get lost in. Since we're no longer obligated to stay at home, you might find yourself ready to indulge in a little big-screen escapism---social distancing guidelines in place, of course. Even if you might be among those still putting a pause on sitting in a theater or joining a watch party, we've got something for you. (Hey, we don't blame you sis.)
Check out these 10 must-see films and shows featuring black leads, from horror, to comedy, to thrillers and beyond.
HORROR: Lovecraft Country
Jordan Peele (Get Out) is one of the executive producers of this HBO series set to debut in August. Based on a novel by Matt Ruff, it follows a man's journey through 1950s Jim Crow South in search of his missing father. If you're thinking, 'Well, where's the quirky, thought-provoking twist Peele is known for?' you can find it in the inclusion of forest monsters and strange zombie-like characters. The star-studded cast includes Courtney B. Vance (Cork'd, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) Jonathan Majors (White Boy Rick, The Last Black Man in San Francisco), Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Underground, True Blood) and Michael Kenneth Williams (The Wire, Empire).
DRAMA: Greenleaf, Season 5
We can't get enough of this Memphis megachurch drama, slated to see its final season on OWN this summer. The bishiop (Keith David) and his wife (the never-aging Lynn Whitfield) return with other mainstays Deborah Joy Winans, LeToya Luckett, Lamman Rucker, Merle Dandridge, and Kim Hawthorne. Oprah's also set to make an appearance, and there are reports of Patti LaBelle and Rick Fox showing up as well. (A spin-off is also reportedly in the works.) If you haven't caught up to all the drama, scandals, and secrets, all four previous seasons are available on Netflix, so go ahead and get your binge on if you haven't already. Be sure to catch the latest episodes of the final season airing on OWN Tuesdays at 9pm.
MYSTERY: Antebellum
Janelle Monae. Janelle Monae. Janelle Monae. Need I write more? OK, well, if she didn't already wow you in Hidden Figures, at least intrigue in in Homecoming, or have you enjoying the luscious fabulousity of a being a black woman via her 2018 album Dirty Computer, I almost don't know what else to tell you. This psychological mystery, which will be available in theaters if all is back to normal by August 21, centers on an author who is transported into an alternate reality of Get Out vibes and Roots travesties. The thought of being placed back into slavery as a woke woman of the 2000s is already horrific within itself, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
THRILLER: Tenet
An espionage agent who can bend time, wear the hell out of a tailored suit, survive beatings and near car crashes and doesn't have the name Bond? Yep, that's this film. (We love James Bond by the way, so that wasn't a dig.) John David Washington stars in this flick, set to hit theaters July 17. I'll go ahead and leave out the comparisons to the Original Mo' Betta Blues-giving, Equalizer-fighting, Malcolm X-swagged Zaddy out of this. (I mean, Denzel is his daddy, sis.)
NOLLYWOOD: Merry Men 2
If you like films like Ocean's 11, or Takers, you'll like this action-comedy available for streaming on Netflix. It showcases the glitz and glam of the Nigerian elite in an international adventure to fight corruption, steal from the rich, and give to the poor. Nigerian host and comedian Ayo Makun and musican-actor Falz star in this film along with other Nollywood vets including Ramsey Nouah, Ireti Doyle, and Jim Iyeke. This sequel takes things to the next level with a fierce female mercenary crew who give the four leading men a run for their money. This isn't your typical three-DVD soap opera drama you'd typically enjoy while getting those Marley twists redone at the braid shop, sis. (Though we love those, too.)
COMEDY: The High Note
Tracee Ellis Ross stars as a Hollywood superstar singer (a great nod to her real-life mom Diana Ross) and faces a career and life dilemma when her manager (played by Ice Cube) presents her with an interesting opportunity. If not for the fashion and endearing goofiness of Ross, you'll want to check it out just to see if the (musical) apple doesn't fall far from the entertainment royalty tree.
DRAMA: The Chi, Season 3
This Lena Waithe hit returns with the inclusion of new faces including RHOA's Kandi Burress, who plays the love interest of the show's gangsta lead Douda (played by Curtiss Cook). Actors from the previous season including Common (who plays Selma), Jacob Latimore (who plays Emmett), Yolanda Ross (who plays Jada), and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (who plays Ronnie). Waithe makes cameo appearances, along with Luke James and La La. It looks like there will be a quite a few plot twists but one is no surprise since Tiffany Boone (who played Jerrika) and Jason Mitchell (who played her chef bae Brandon) won't be returning this season. Tune in July 5 via Showtime.
DARK COMEDY: I May Destroy You
British actress Michaela Coel is back with an eyebrow-raising depiction of how a woman deals with the aftermath of being slipped a date-rape drug. The series explores sexual consent, contemporary dating, and reevaluating life choices as a woman in London, and if you liked her quirky Netflix series Chewing Gum, you might be able to give this HBO series a chance.
DRAMA: Miss Juneteenth
This film, which was a Sundance Film Festival selection and a hit at SXSW, centers around Turquoise Jones (played by Nicole Beharie of Sleepy Hollow fame), a single mother and former beauty queen. She goes on a journey in getting her rebellious daughter to follow in her footsteps and how she navigates love, parenthood, forgiveness and redemption in the madness. The film is debuted June 19, the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, via multiple streaming platforms. You'll see a familiar face in Insecure's Kendrick Sampson (Issa's halfway-boo Nathan) who plays Jones' love in this film.
COMIC ACTION: Falcon & The Winter Soldier
Disney+ is debuting this series, starring Anthony Mackie as Marvel Comics' Sam Wilson AKA "Falcon". He's joined by actress Adepero Oduye (When They See Us) for this classic interpretation of the comic, and stars alongside Sebastian Stan (who plays Bucky Barnes AKA The Winter Soldier). Samuel L. Jackson is also rumored to return as Nick Fury in the six-part series set to debut in August. Each show will be released weekly versus all at once, so you'll get to hold on in suspense to see what will happen with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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Mercury Retrograde In Leo Horoscopes: Your Sign’s Survival Guide
Another Mercury retrograde is here, and it is time to take a step back and process. This is the second out of the three Mercury retrogrades happening this year, and it will be occurring in the sign of Leo. Mercury has been in Leo since June 26 and will be retrograde from July 17 through August 10, and will remain in Leo before entering Virgo on September 2.
When Mercury is retrograde in Leo, we tend to take things a little more personally, and this Mercury retrograde is a reminder that in order to recognize the love and support we are looking for from others, we must first recognize it within us.
What To Know About Mercury Retrograde In Leo
With this Mercury retrograde happening in Leo, Leos, and fellow fire (Aries and Sagittarius) and fixed signs (Taurus and Scorpio) are going to be feeling this transit the most. This Mercury retrograde will highlight how you want to show up in the world, and if what you are presenting is what you feel authentically within you. Mercury in Leo says, speak your mind and own your voice.
Mercury retrograde in Leo, however, asks what the message you are trying to get across is in the first place, and if you are advocating for yourself enough in the process.
A rule of thumb during Mercury retrograde is to hold off on signing any important contracts or committing to something long-term, to be more careful with transportation and travel matters, and to make sure you have everything backed up when it comes to your electronics. Communication matters are the most affected while Mercury is retrograde, and it’s important to be more patient with others, give more grace, and have a sense of humor here.
Mercury Retrograde In Leo Horoscopes By Zodiac Sign
Overall, Mercury retrograde in Leo is all about self-reflection and honoring your voice with courage and conviction. You don’t have to be perfect to show up, and the person you are today is the person who is deserving of love, recognition, and support. Live your truth and shine your light, and don’t worry about whether others can see the light you have already found within yourself. It’s time to just be, show up, and let go of what doesn’t feel authentic to you.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what this Mercury retrograde has in store for you.
ARIES
With this Mercury retrograde happening in a fellow fire sign, things are hitting home for you right now, Aries, and there is a lot to process right now. Your heart wants to communicate its growth, but you can feel like your love is being misunderstood during this time as well. Your guidance for this Mercury retrograde is to recognize yourself as the powerful, valuable, and loved being you are, and to show up in life as the person you want to be seen as. It’s time to pick your head up, remember who you are, and prepare for new experiences in love to bloom from this time.
TAURUS
This Mercury retrograde is about emotionally rejuvenating, Taurus. You are ready to let go of some restrictions and limitations that have been weighing heavily on your heart, and you are taking a look at what foundations you have built that may need some reshaping right now. Dynamics change, relationships shift, people move, and it’s all about recognizing what you need to feel safer and secure in your surroundings. Your heart is open to a new beginning right now, and this energy is going to serve you well through this Mercury retrograde. Overall, it’s time to rebuild, Taurus.
GEMINI
Mercury is officially retrograde, and it’s time to go a little slower when it comes to communication, Gemini. Take your time in getting your message across, and make sure to gather all the details before making any important decisions. Mercury is your ruling planet, so whenever it is retrograde, you feel its impact a little more strongly than most; however, this time around, you have more support surrounding you, helping you through this. This retrograde is clearing the way for new ideas and creative intentions to come forth, and it’s time to own your power of creation, Gemini.
CANCER
This Mercury retrograde is here to remind you how valuable you are, Cancer. It’s helping you remember your gifts in this life, and the gift you are to others. Financially, this is the time to look over everything thoroughly and to make sure you are not making any impulsive financial moves for the time being. Old financial efforts or opportunities may be coming around for you again, however, and you might just find yourself in a better position to take them on. Overall, this Mercury retrograde for you is about being confident in yourself and what you are asking for right now, and knowing that your dreams are coming true in the exact timing and way they are meant to.
LEO
The second Mercury retrograde of the year is happening in your sign, and you are gaining the insight you have been looking for, Leo. When Mercury is retrograde in your sign, it’s time to take a step back and look at the different options presenting themselves. You are needing to readdress some old plans or initiatives, and you are getting to know yourself better in the process. This Mercury retrograde is an important moment of self-awareness for you, and you are feeling wiser and more in tune with the direction you are heading at the end of the transit. Practice self-love, and remember who you are.
VIRGO
This Mercury retrograde is asking you to go with the flow, Virgo. You are making some important achievements around the time of this retrograde, but are needing some space to fully grasp it all. Celebrations may feel like they are on hold, and you are getting a lot of time away to yourself right now. This Mercury retrograde is about healing the soul, letting go of old baggage, and allowing yourself to fully own the progress you have made emotionally, physically, and spiritually. When life feels unsure, there is one thing you can still be sure of and that is yourself. Look at the bigger picture over the next few weeks, and give yourself the time to do so.
LIBRA
This Mercury retrograde is bringing things full circle for you, Libra. You are embarking on an opportunity to get clearer on your support systems and sense of community, and dynamics are shifting when it comes to your friendships in life. You are looking at things with an open heart and mind, and creating space for new developments, resonance, and abundance to enter your world. This retrograde isn’t necessarily holding you back, rather, you are becoming more aware of what is already in front of you and the gifts you have manifested for yourself.
SCORPIO
It’s all about keeping the balance right now, Scorpio. This Mercury retrograde is highlighting your career and professional zone, and you are thinking a lot about how you are presenting yourself to the world, what you want to be known for, and the type of feedback you need. You are in a space of contemplation and may not be feeling the need to put all your energy out there or to make your ideas known right now. This retrograde is about giving yourself the opportunity to get clearer on your goals and professional intentions, and to gain the confidence and courage needed to take them on.
SAGITTARIUS
This Mercury retrograde is opening your eyes to what your heart needs right now, Sagittarius. You are connecting the dots and looking at things with a different perspective, creating more opportunities for connection and adventure. With Mercury retrograde in your house of travel over the next few weeks, extra precaution is needed on said adventures, however, there are a lot of opportunities for expansion ahead of you right now. It’s all about allowing yourself to receive what you have been looking for, and knowing that you are ready to. You have already done the work, and now it’s time to believe in what you are asking for from the world.
CAPRICORN
This Mercury retrograde feels a little more intense for you, but it’s the exact pressure you need to see things in a new light, Capricorn. Your focus is on communication, mental growth, and awareness of the things you have been putting off for another day, and it’s time to get things in order. A lot is coming to the forefront in your life during this retrograde and some important decisions are needing to be made, but you have learned the lessons needed in order to make the right decision for yourself right now. Things have been changing for you drastically this summer, and this retrograde is helping you see why.
AQUARIUS
Your guidance for this Mercury retrograde is to be kind to yourself and your heart, Aquarius. With this retrograde playing out in your opposite sign, you may feel a little bit at odds with where you find your heart right now. Relationship dynamics are shifting, and there is a sense of not feeling as understood as you need to be. This Mercury retrograde is here to highlight what your heart has been looking for and what may be in the way from feeling it. It’s a chance to regroup, find your balance, and to prioritize what is truly important to you in life.
PISCES
This Mercury retrograde is a wake-up call for you, Pisces. It’s examining where you need to shift the focus within health matters and the importance of prioritizing your well-being more. If you have been overworking yourself or exerting more of your time and energy than you have, than this retrograde will be highlighting the need to slow down. Getting more rest and downtime is essential now, and it’s all about knowing what you can say yes to and what you can’t.
Your well-being is the priority during this transit and this Mercury retrograde is guiding you in the direction towards good health and a daily routine that works for you no matter what is happening in your life.
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