What is Universal Pictures Queen & Slim?
Universal Pictures' "Queen & Slim" is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that tells the story of a young African American couple who, after an unsuccessful first date, find themselves on the run from the law. The movie, which was directed by Melina Matsoukas and written by Lena Waithe, stars Jodie Turner-Smith as Queen, a successful attorney, and Daniel Kaluuya as Slim, a retail worker.
The movie explores themes of racism, police brutality, injustices, and the resilience and strength of the black community. It begins with Queen and Slim being pulled over by a white police officer for a minor traffic violation, only to have the situation quickly escalate, leading to the officer's death. Fearing for their lives, the couple goes on the run, embarking on a journey to find safety and freedom.
Throughout the movie, Queen and Slim's bond grows stronger as they experience the harsh realities of being black in America. They encounter different people who help them along the way, from a small-town mechanic to a black policeman who understands their plight. However, they also face adversity and betrayal from unexpected sources, which puts their safety and survival at risk.
"Queen & Slim" is a cinematic masterpiece that not only captivates with its compelling story but also touches on crucial issues that resonate in society today. It is a movie that inspires hope, strength, and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds. It's a must-watch movie that will leave you thinking about its themes long after the credits roll.
Frequently Asked Questions about universal pictures queen & slim
Themes of trust, betrayal and community are central to Queen & Slim. First-time screenwriter Lena Waithe (working from an original idea by, incongruously, James Frey) consciously evokes the Underground Railroad through the network that offers refuge and assistance to the two fugitives.
Slim and Queen's first date takes an unexpected turn when a policeman pulls them over for a minor traffic violation. When the situation escalates, Slim takes the officer's gun and shoots him in self-defence. Now labelled cop killers in the media, Slim and Queen feel that they have no choice but to go on the run and evade the law. When a video of the incident goes viral, the unwitting outlaws soon become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people all across the country.Queen & Slim / Film synopsis
But for writer Lena Waithe and director Melina Matsoukas, who are also producers on the project, the process of packaging “Queen & Slim” was more seamless than usual. “We didn't have to chase anyone because they chased us,” Waithe said of the project.
Queen and Slim's story begins in Cleveland, Ohio.
It all comes back to Cleveland for Queen and Slim. It's where they meet on their first super awkward date - but it's also during the drive home from said date that Slim shoots a white police officer in self-defense, which causes the duo to run from the law.
Set in the weeks leading up to and after the infamous death of Princess Diana in 1997, The Queen captures the private moments of the monarchy's grief and loss, and Queen Elizabeth II's inner conflict as she attempts to keep her private and public affairs separate.
“Queen & Slim” is an extrapolation of thoughts that run through the heads of black people each time we're called upon to mourn publicly, to request justice like supplicants, to comfort ourselves with inert lies about this sort of thing stopping in the near-future.
Uncle EarlBokeem WoodbineOfficer ReedSturgill SimpsonSheriff EdgarBenito MartinezLarge Black ManDickson ObahorMrs. ShepherdChloë SevignySlim's FatherThom Gossom Jr.
Queen & Slim/Characters
Queen & Slim is Matsoukas's buzzy debut feature, starring Oscar-nominee Daniel Kaluuya and magnetic newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith as a couple who go on the run together after killing a cop. The film has been successful at the box office, grossing $29 million worldwide.
Uncle EarlBokeem WoodbineOfficer ReedSturgill SimpsonSheriff EdgarBenito MartinezLarge Black ManDickson ObahorMrs. ShepherdChloë SevignySlim's FatherThom Gossom Jr.
Queen & Slim/Characters
Drawn into the heart of the crisis, Joan's own life is in turmoil, and her future far from secure. She faces a stark choice - be true to her heart and risk everything, or play the dutiful servant and watch her dreams wither and die. For Joan, and for Henry's Kingdom, everything is at stake...
The constitutional convention in the United Kingdom is that the English monarch is above all politics, has no political views and deals impartially with each prime minister no matter his or her political party. The monarch is thus a political eunuch.
Uncle EarlBokeem WoodbineOfficer ReedSturgill SimpsonSheriff EdgarBenito MartinezLarge Black ManDickson ObahorMrs. ShepherdChloë SevignySlim's FatherThom Gossom Jr.
Queen & Slim/Characters
“Queen & Slim” is an extrapolation of thoughts that run through the heads of black people each time we're called upon to mourn publicly, to request justice like supplicants, to comfort ourselves with inert lies about this sort of thing stopping in the near-future.
During a time when love can be triggering or feel impossible to come by, theirs was given center stage to unfold and inspire.
47.9 million USDQueen & Slim / Box office
Queen & Slim grossed $43.8 million in the United States and Canada, and $3.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $47.7 million.
Instead, Queen and Slim are shot and killed by police just as the couple is about to hop on their getaway plane. We see them both die on the airstrip runway, blood streaking the outfits we've come to know them in.
