Bomani J. Story’s ‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster’ reimagines Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ with a brilliant teenage protagonist named Vicaria, played with emotional depth and commanding screen presence by Laya DeLeon Hayes. Vicaria, who lives in a crime-ridden neighborhood with her father Donald (Chad L. Coleman), asserts death is a curable disease and after her brother’s murder, embarks on a daring mission to bring him back to life.
The film is more than a retelling of a classic horror tale; it’s an exploration of modern issues such as violence, racial inequality, and societal pressures. Story’s approach is visually compelling, combining sleek modern style with gothic horror elements, creating a captivating ambiance.
Despite these strengths, the narrative’s consistency falters as the revived Chris wreaks havoc. The thematic purpose, initially captivating, loses some clarity, but the film’s real-life parallels induce a lingering fear in viewers.
This Frankenstein-inspired narrative isn’t merely horror. It uses its horror elements to highlight societal issues faced by characters like Vicaria, her pregnant friend Aisha (Reilly Brooke Stith), and her drug-addicted father Donald.
The resurrected Chris, rather than epitomizing the rage implied in the title, displays unpredictable violent outbreaks, leaving his level of consciousness unclear.
The film’s execution is commendable, utilizing the talents of a promising filmmaker and an impressive cast, including Denzel Whitaker, Reilly Brooke Stith, Keith Holliday, Amani Summer, and Edem Atsu-Swanzy.
Although it falls into predictable horror tropes, it remains a refreshing perspective for fans of Frankenstein-esque narratives and those seeking horror stories reflecting societal realities.
‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster’ transcends the usual jump-scare horror, offering a haunting exploration of the internal horrors endured by Vicaria and her community, where daily survival is the most formidable fear.
WORDS: brice.