I saw Black Panther: Wakanda Forever this morning and while official reviews are still embargoed, reactions are allowed. Here’s my reaction: I SOBBED. Hard. And I don’t cry a lot but I cried a lot during this movie. Also laughed a lot. And did that corny thing were you smile through your tears. In other words, l loved it so much and I can’t wait to see it again.
Anyway, Sarah will be writing more about Wakanda Forever next week so let’s focus now on the premiere and there will be no spoilers. Just…more tears. Like I was already weepy when I got up today and saw these shots – specifically Ryan Coogler dressed in white, with a pendant around his neck. Look closely:
As we know from the trailer, the mourning scenes feature everyone in white. Sarah mentioned a few weeks ago that there’s already a movement for people to show up in white when the movie opens. Ryan doesn’t have a role in his own movie. So this is his way of participating in that. Of honouring both his friend, Chadwick Boseman, and T’Challa, son of King T’Chaka and Queen Ramonda, King of Wakanda, and the Black Panther. See now here come more tears, my eyes are blurry again.
The other image that gutted me is this one:
Because…
Shuri has lost her brother, but Letitia lost a brother too. Over and over again Letitia has referred to Chadwick as a brother. He’s a brother to all of them. So this press tour for this movie – it must be a LOT of emotion for all of them. And a range of emotions. Grief, of course. Pain, no doubt. But also resilience and hope and community. All of which is in the film. OMG, I can’t wait for you all to see this film.
Until then, the Wakanda Forever fashion parade, holy sh-t. Lupita, also in white, it’s Balmain. And the hair with the headdress – she’s a vision:
But then these amazing purple pleats on Danai Gurira and the legend Angela Bassett. For Wakanda indeed!
We’re not done though. Because it’s a family reunion – the Black Panther family also includes Michael B Jordan aka Killmonger, who had to be there to honour his collaborator, Ryan Coogler, and his brother, Chadwick. MBJ wore bright yellow, a long jacket over wide leg middle-split pants. A ray of sunshine, and a snack at the same time.
Speaking of snacks, please enjoy the wonderful delight that is Winston Duke. He looks like a mountain next to Letitia, LOL.
