Film Review: Black Girl (1972)

This is a film review of Black Girl (1972) published on The Story Box, my film and television blog designed to uplift the work of Black, Brown, and Women creators. Link to Blog.

A Portrait of Pain and Hope: A Review of Black Girl (1972)

“She’s got to cut it… or cut out. She’s a Black girl.”

Tyran

April 24, 2024

Adapted from a play by J.E. Franklin and directed by Ossie Davis, Black Girl (1972) is a powerful family drama that delves into the complexities of Black womanhood in the 1970s. The film centers around 17-year-old Billie Jean, the youngest daughter in a household simmering with tension.

Rosie, the matriarch, struggles with the ghosts of her past, particularly the reappearance of Earl, her ex-lover and father of Billie Jean’s older sisters. His return reignites old wounds, triggering arguments that expose Rosie’s abandonment issues and cast a long shadow over her daughters.

Adding to the family turmoil is the arrival of Netta, a successful college student and foster child raised by Rosie. Netta’s visit sparks envy and self-doubt in Billie Jean’s older sisters, Norma Faye and Ruth Ann, highlighting the contrasting ways Rosie treats her biological and adopted daughters.

Black Girl is more than just family drama; it’s a social commentary. Through its characters, the film explores themes of generational trauma, the lasting impact of abandonment, the struggle for self-worth, and the unique challenges faced by Black women pursuing their dreams.

Recommendation: Black Girl is a must-see for those interested in films that explore Black family dynamics, the Black experience in America, and the complexities of womanhood. While the film doesn’t shy away from depicting pain, it also offers glimmers of hope through Netta and Billie Jean.