The Other Black Girl

I have to be honest and say that the first episode did not really blow me over. I am one of those people who want to know in what direction a series is going, before investing time in what in the end could turn out to be a disappointment. And "The Other Black Girl" is one of those series that you cannot judge by just one episode (as compared to more mainstream series).

But I'm so glad a continued watching and saw the multi-layers of this cross between "The Devil wears Prada", "Get Out" and "Rosemary's Baby".

A wonderful series, great acting, many twists and a thoughtful social commentary without trying to push it in your face.

I only intended to watch the first episode, but I couldn't stop. I *had* to find out what happened, and I wasn't disappointed, even though I stayed up way too late to finish it.

It's a tribute to the actors that they were able to show the increasing layers of their characters as the story went on and became more complex. Multiple sides of many issues emerged, and one important lesson I took away from The Other Black Girl is that there are no easy or simple answers to problems. It left me wanting more, and it seems that there is more to this story than one season revealed. So, let me just say: bring it on!

Just binge watched all 10 episodes and WOW! I'm hooked! Suspenseful, thrilling, funny, and sooooo many twists. Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I kept saying ok, just one more episode and then I'm going to bed. But of course I ended up watching the entire season in one sitting. It was so freaking good! Last episode was such a cliffhanger so now I know there will definitely be a season 2 and I cannot freaking wait. Y'all, Seriously this is the best show I've watched in years. Please go watch it now. I promise you won't regret it. I have never left a review on here and had to create an account just to leave this review lol.

Now I want to read the book that the series is based on. The acting and writing are great, and the twists and turns between the two main characters, Nella and Hazel, are excellent and will keep you guessing from episode to episode.

I don't usually binge watch, but the end of every episode was filled with such a cliff hanger that I felt compelled to watch the next episode. It even made me put down my knitting!

Hulu has produced some great original movies and series. I would encourage folks who are into suspense and drama to give this a try.

My only complaint is that the chemistry between Nella and her BF seem forced, if not non-existent, and also, her best friend is a little extreme. Both took me out of the "willing suspension of disbelief," but the show was otherwise worth my time.

This is one of the more enjoyable new programs on Hulu (Sept. 2023). All of the lead roles are wonderfully portrayed. I look forward to Season 2, where we will likely get a back story on Nella's character. I especially like the interpretation from these lead actors: Sinclair Daniels (Nella), Ashleigh Murray (Hazel), Garcelle Beauvais (Diana), and Brittany Adebumola (hilarious as Malaika). Sadly, I feel that Hunter Parrish as Owen (Nella's beau) has been miscast. I get no genuine chemistry between them, and he appears awkward in most scenes.

The plot and stylistic approach seem to be a mashup of "Stranger Things" and "Get Out". There are also some cartoony vibes and dark humor. Although I've not read the book, it seems like it might be influenced by Octavia Butler (Black SciFi female writer who is well respected). Overall, this show doesn't take itself too seriously, and this is a positive. There are themes explored which reflect an interesting perspective on Black culture. That said, the sequencing of the writing became disjointed, and resulted in some tension being deflated. Specifically, the writers chose to reveal key info in Episode 8, and I think they would have done better to reveal more subtle hints as early as Episode 4.