Watch Bronx Gothic

Bronx Gothic is a riveting and intimate documentary that takes a mesmerizing look at the life and art of Okwui Okpokwasili, an acclaimed writer, performer, and dancer, who explores the themes of race, gender, sexuality, and power in her work. Directed by Andrew Rossi, the film captures the electrifying and captivating performance of Okpokwasili, as she delves into the depths of her personal history and exposes the raw emotions and visceral experiences that shape her artistic vision.

Set against the backdrop of the Bronx, where Okpokwasili grew up, Bronx Gothic is a powerful and poignant meditation on the intersection of personal and political trauma, with the body as the site of resistance and transformation. The film follows Okpokwasili as she prepares for her one-woman show called "Bronx Gothic," which explores the relationship between two young black girls in the Bronx in the 1980s, who are trying to navigate their complex identities and desires while facing the challenges of poverty, violence, and oppression.

Through a series of interviews, rehearsals, and performances, Bronx Gothic reveals the intricate and multifaceted process of creating and performing a work of art that defies easy categorization and pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Okpokwasili's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she embodies a wide range of characters and emotions with an intensity and grace that is both thrilling and unsettling.

The film also highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of Okpokwasili's work, as she works closely with her choreographer Peter Born and composer Umechi Born to create a dynamic and immersive experience that engages all the senses. The music, lighting, and movement all come together in a powerful and provocative way, as the audience is drawn into the world of the play and challenged to confront their own assumptions and prejudices.

But Bronx Gothic is not just a portrait of a remarkable artist at work, it is also a deeply personal and political story that speaks to the wider cultural and social issues of our time. Through Okpokwasili's eyes, we see the ways in which racism, sexism, and homophobia are woven into the fabric of our society, and how they impact the lives and aspirations of young people of color. We also see the power of art as a tool for resistance and self-discovery, and the ways in which it can create a space for healing and empowerment.

Overall, Bronx Gothic is a stunning and thought-provoking film that illustrates the power of art to challenge and transform our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary dance, theater, and performance art, as well as for those who are passionate about social justice and equality. Whether you are a fan of Okpokwasili's work or not, this film will leave you breathless and inspired, and will make you see the world with new eyes.

Bronx Gothic is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 66.