Watch Not Black Enough

Not Black Enough is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the particularly interesting subject of finding the right definition of blackness in America. The film, which premiered in 2017, showcases the journey of the filmmaker, Tracey Anarella, who sets out to explore the complexities involved in discovering what it means to be black in contemporary American society.

The movie starts with Anarella addressing some of the stereotypes surrounding blackness, particularly in the mainstream media. She notes that there is a tendency to define blackness by certain characteristics, such as skin colour or language, and that this approach to defining blackness has not always been helpful to the black community. Through interviews with black Americans from different walks of life, Not Black Enough attempts to paint a picture of the broader range of black experiences and cultural identities.

One interesting aspect of the movie is how the filmmaker chose to structure it. Rather than having a straightforward narrative, Not Black Enough is episodic in nature, with each episode exploring different facets of black identity. Some of the episodes delve into topics such as the role of hair and fashion in defining blackness, while others focus on music, religion, and cultural traditions. The movie also features a range of perspectives, from African Americans who grew up in the inner city to those from affluent backgrounds.

Throughout the film, several themes emerge. One of the key themes is the tension between embracing blackness and fitting into mainstream society. For instance, Anarella interviews a young man who struggles to fit into his black community because he speaks and behaves differently from those around him. On the other hand, several interviewees talk about their experiences of being tokenized or fetishized because of their blackness. These themes highlight the complexity of black identity and the challenges inherent in trying to define it.

Another notable aspect of Not Black Enough is its focus on historical context. The film explores how the legacy of slavery and racism has impacted black identity, particularly in America. For example, one episode delves into the way African American women have been represented in popular culture, from the mammy stereotype to the Jezebel stereotype. The movie also explores the role of social movements such as Black Lives Matter in shaping contemporary discussions around black identity.

The film's strongest point is its depth of understanding of how the topic of black identity goes beyond what society sees as black or white, without ignoring important social factors such as skin color, racial slurs, or systemic racism. It is presented in a structure that approaches several aspects of the subject in a clear and compelling manner.

While the movie effectively handles its complex subject matter, it sometimes feels disjointed. Some of the episodes feel like they would have been better presented in a more extended format, as they sometimes lack sufficient detail. Additionally, several interviewees feel somewhat tangential to the overall story, and while their perspectives are valuable, they could make the film feel chaotic.

Some audiences may also find the film's length too long, although this is a small drawback in a well-researched and intelligently crafted movie that provides ample insight into the multifaceted nature of black identity. Furthermore, with the help of the right cast featuring individuals from different black backgrounds, the documentary accurately presents the real-life struggles of being a black American and the social upheavals necessary to overcome them.

Overall, Not Black Enough is a spirited exploration of a subject that goes beyond what is often understood as the black identity. It bravely approaches its complexities in a compelling and thought-provoking manner, delving into a range of perspectives with great care and sophistication. Despite its few shortcomings, it offers audiences an outstanding opportunity to dive into an emerging cultural bridge-building conversation that not many know they need.

Not Black Enough is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.