Black, I mean back again
If you could choose any job in the world, what would it be? For me, it would never be any one thing. Outside of hosting mental health retreats worldwide, I would want to work in media: traveling and reviewing all types of things including movies, TV shows, etc. (like an Issa Rae adjacent). I pride myself on being the friend that everybody comes to for referrals on shows, movies and even music. That being said, I LOVE TV and I intake a lot of it. Because I am neurodivergent and the typical A-type personality, I decided to work on clearing my list on Netflix. (Random fact…I am addicted to lists. Everything goes on a list and I live to accomplish the tasks and cross them off whilst they taunt me until I do. I know what you’re thinking- yes, I do have a therapist.)
Today, I decided to watch “Two Distant Stangers”, an Oscar-winning short featuring Joey Badass (cough FINE ass): “a man trying to get home to his dog becomes stuck in a time loop that forces him to relive a deadly run-in with a cop”. I know. Chile. It came out in 2021, so that goes to show you how long I’ve been avoiding it. I’d have to agree with my momma when she says “we experience enough trauma, we don’t need to watch it too.” That explains why I couldn’t finish “12 years a slave” or “When They See Us” (one episode made me physically sick). I prefer true crime…you know, with other folks. With their cults and stuff.
Even at just 32 minutes, this movie will definitely make you something. Imagine a Ferris Bueller’s Day off remake, but sad. Joey’s unnamed character is stuck repeating a day where he gets shot over and over, in various ways. No matter what he does, or what we hope he will change up, he dies again and again.
Baby. le sigh. (I’m Southern and I’m from Texas, so be prepared to be a lot of babies and yalls.)
To understand “Two Distant Strangers”, you’d have to understand us Black folks’ very breath is an act of protest. Imagine traveling through life knowing that- no matter you do, you can be gunned down, without consequence, because you are Black. Imagine this being your real life, not a movie. However, an even bigger act of love for self means living anyway and attempting happiness if you can. That’s what I took from this film, and as jarring as it is to see a Black man be slain over and over again, I understand it. Without giving any spoilers, you should watch it. There are moments of relief, painful truths and even rom-com cutesy scenes. While I was holding back tears thinking about the dog waiting on an owner that will never come, the film only enforces what we already know. The history of gun violence and the numbers of innocent Black people murdered by police IRL insidiously ruins the film because we believe we already know how it will turn out. Unnecessary police shootings aren’t far removed enough for us to have the privilege of only experiencing it on TV. I never want to, even if for a moment, pretend to take on the pain and heartbreak of one of these victim’s loved ones, but it feels like we all know someone who has been or could have been a victim. As someone who walked the same grounds and attended the same college as Sandra Bland, I still get chills when I pass up the spot where she was initially pulled over and unrightfully apprehended. I won’t tell you how the movie ends, but please comment if you watch it and let me know your thoughts. I will say this, during the scene where he finally gets home (or does he?). pay attention to the puddle of blood.
Yall. I don’t know. I do know I’m a good writer, I mean look at my catchy title. Maybe I should write an Oscar-winning short. About Black people winning. Haha, okay okay weird flex, or whatever these kids are saying. I’m out. Oh and that list? Over 200 titles. LOL yeah I know. I’ma still try- oh yee of little faith!
I actually provide commentary based on what everyone is watching on my other Twitter (@Domsaidso1 - so check it out. )
