By Veronica Longo

A psychological thriller that portrays the traumatic realities of slavery with startling realism, “Antebellum” sends a poignant and clear message: saying and doing nothing is not an option in these tense times. Reminiscent of similar mind game conceptions such as “Get Out” and “Us,” the film is the feature-length debut of Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, known for their past work on the video short “Kill Jay-Z.” Originally slated to hit theaters in April, movie theater closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic delayed “Antebellum’s” premiere on the big screen until it was finally released through video on-demand services, including Amazon Prime Video and iTunes, on Sept. 18.

The emotionally-charged opening sequence introduces us to the main cast. In the midst of the Civil War, slaves Eli (Tongayi Chrisa) and Eden (Janelle Monae) are caught trying to escape. As they are brutally and graphically punished, the opening score is heavy and haunting. Musical composers Nate Wonder and Roman GianArthur capture perfectly the tragic nature of what is happening on-screen. The effects of the score are highlighted by a lack of dialogue - the characters’ actions alone are speaking volumes. The scene also gives audiences their first glimpse of the film’s antagonists, Senator Blake Denton (Eric Lange), Elizabeth (Jena Malone), and Captain Jasper (Jack Huston), those responsible for catching and punishing Eli and Eden.  It’s a tense opening that’s hard to watch. Quite suddenly, though, Eden wakes up.

Janelle Monae is now Veronica Henley, a renowned sociologist in 2020 who leaves her family to travel to a conference and speak on intersectionality. A sense of foreboding follows her, and on her trip back to her hotel she is kidnapped. Once more awakened in her bed, this is how the film comes full circle as we join Eden. It is revealed that these are no mere dream sequences, Eden and Veronica Henley are one and the same. 

This film seeks to create a connection for viewers who suffer this type of cognitive dissonance that atrocities of the past don’t happen anymore. Unfortunately for Veronica, the sights she witnesses were not just nightmares. It becomes apparent that these injustices of the past were actually all taking place in the modern day and not the 1800s, to her. After the abuse of another kidnapped victim causes a suicide, this is what spurs Eden and Eli into action. The film reflects an unfortunate reality, that people will often say nothing about injustice until a tragedy spurs people into action. 

“Antebellum” is the story of both Veronica Henley and Eden. The picture shows the trials that she and the others face. This film is strange but the ambience and the music pull people in.  As the final twist is slowly shown, it is up to the audience to use the clues to figure what is actually going on. The shifts in “Antebellum” will keep readers intrigued, and the tone makes the film a great addition to any scary movie binge-watch.