Miss Juneteenth (2020) User Reviews

Amateurish, But Heart's in the Right Place

[evanston_dad · 6/10 · 12 March 2021]

"Miss Juneteenth" has its heart in the right place, and I want nothing more than to be able to unequivocally recommend a movie directed by a black woman about the black experience in America. But the film can't shed an amateurish quality that prevents it from hitting its marks.

I fault the screenplay mostly, which is also the work of the film's director, Channing Godfrey Peoples. It spends a good 90% of its time depicting the life of a struggling mostly single mother (the father is in the picture, but not reliably) and her teenage daughter as a joyless grind, only to switch gears in the movie's last ten minutes to land on a happy ending in which all dramatic conflicts are resolved and everything's tied up with a nifty bow. The ending doesn't feel earned, since the screenplay doesn't adequately set it up, and the whole thing hits the viewer as being disingenuous. I appreciated the film's resistance to wallowing in a misery porn aesthetic, but I think it could have landed somewhere between despair and the Hallmark movie "everyone gets what she wants" ending that it gives us.

As a consolation for the film's weak script, it features a lovely performance by Nicole Beharie as the mom whose determination to give her daughter what she missed out on blinds her to what her daughter actually wants.

Grade: B

Dealing With It...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 3 October 2020]

Reflecting the lives of many single mothers, with the hand they've been dealt not the one they'd dreamt of, but with no choice but to play it regardless. A mother, who had her child young, perhaps younger than she had wished in her dreams, tries to avoid the same pitfalls for her daughter against overwhelming odds, compounded by poverty, lack of opportunity and poor paternal support (amongst other things) - persevering nonetheless. Genuine and sincere performances support the central character played by Nicole Beharie who is outstanding. A far from uncommon story the world over.

The Important and the Frivolous

[Cineanalyst · 7/10 · 3 February 2021]

"Miss Juneteenth" is a surprisingly realistic depiction of poverty, if little else, with its focus on a (mostly) single mother raising a teenage daughter. Despite being about a beauty pageant and the mother's forcing her ambitions upon her daughter (with the potential scholarship for rationalization), it does well to realize the important things--in this case, education and entrepreneurship and supporting others' diverse dreams. Dance may be either an expression of one's joy or their deepest regret, for instance. I also like the depiction of the hollowness made of otherwise hallowed institutions: namely, the black church being turned into snake-oil casting out of devils and Juneteenth celebrated by a parade and an uptight beauty pageant--involving, of all things, the straightening of African-American hair. Rival suitors prove to be just as frivolous. Meanwhile, the humble car repair shop or bar and grill become sites full of potential for redemption.

It's a well-made little movie that graciously doesn't pretend any great message on race or anything else despite subject matter involving the holiday celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the United States that might've seemed to call for such in lesser hands than those of debut filmmaker Channing Godfrey Peoples. The cast overall is good, too, especially Nicole Beharie in the lead. Often, I don't care for these sort of low-stakes slice-of-life dramas, but I'll take a well-enacted one such as "Miss Juneteenth" over an overacted and overwrought picture with pretentions of grand import any day.

Delicately Told Story

[johnaderson · 24 June 2020]

Nicole Beharie shines as an African American mother who wants her teenage duaghter ("Chikaeze") to win the Miss Juneteenth pageant and take advantage of the opportunities she was not able to seize in her own life. Peoples uses a delicate touch to tell this touching mother daughter story, and deserves a lot of praise as a first time director.

Miss Juneteenth

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 7/10 · 2 July 2021]

7/10 - this entertaining and important film akes for good Juneteenth viewing and gives a spotlight to the culturally significant pageant in a place you might not expect it.

Mom, you embarrass me.

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 3 August 2020]

Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie ) is a former pageant winner who didn't fare as well as other winners with a free ride scholarship. She has a daughter (Alexis Chikaeze ) and a part-time husband, Ronnie (Kendrick Sampson ). She works two jobs, one at a bar and grill and the other doing Chicago paint jobs. She needs $400 for taxes, $400 for pageant fees for her apathetic daughter, and $700 to bail out her husband who killed a gator. She struggles and makes do.

Uplifting film and educational. It wasn't really for me, but I can see where others would like it.

Guide: No swearing or nudity. Brief love scene.

Solid Storytelling and BBQ

[tpeterson1959 · 10/10 · 20 June 2020]

This is just a good, solid character-based story that delivers. The pacing is perfect for this type of narrative, the characters were well developed and realistic, the dialogue spot on. Throw in the true-to-life BBQ pit and it's the right mix to make a good film.

You could see everything coming from the beginning AND

[shelbyridezordiez · 4/10 · 29 September 2020]

I didn't like how Kai was in general. The atypical ignorant, disrespectful, ungrateful and rude child at 14 oh sorry 15 that thought she was an adult. I guess that's justified in ways in 2020 that children aren't put in there place but parents treating children as their equal when discipline is needed the most. Other than that it was a good movie IF you can get past Kai and want a movie that you see everything coming. Plus when she takes absolutely nothing serious including self respect and care 😞 Sorry!

Rich Characters, Beautifully Shot, Great Acting

[gauri-saxena · 8/10 · 20 June 2020]

This is my first review here, and I'm primarily writing because the current rating seems so off to me! I found the story and characters very compelling, and found myself wanting to know more about what happens next after the film ended. The cinematography was beautiful, especially the juxtaposition between pageant pomp and poshness vs small town Texas scenes. The sense of community was portrayed with tenderness and clarity without being too forced or obvious. It's refreshing to see full and flawed characters - but who we still cheer for and want to see succeed. Definitely recommend this film.

Truly Boring

[darrel076 · 1/10 · 22 June 2020]

I wanted tis to be good. It isn't. The acting is not good by any stretch. The characters are just not there. I felt no connection between anyone. The grandmother could have been a stranger for how much of connection there was between her and her family. The dad seems like a one night stand she chatted with. Again, no connection. I had to throw in towel at 45 min.

Beautiful performance

[salonica_hunter · 8/10 · 15 January 2021]

Nicole Behari's eyes sold the entire movie. Absolutely amazing.

Engaging

[Gordon-11 · 28 June 2020]

It is an engaging film about a woman who is working very hard to make ends meet, while also grooming her daughter to be a pageant queen. I feel for her experiences.

for some reason I though it was a horror film

[shashrvacai · 4/10 · 10 August 2021]

For some reason I though it was a horror film, so I kept waiting for the ghost to come. The film is alright.

A rich and vital film

[edensapir01 · 10/10 · 21 June 2020]

A beautifully subtle and important film. Nicole Beharie is as good as it gets, a great actress that deserves more respect for her art. Especially here. See this film. It's great stories like these that inspire and educate, simply by showing, not telling. A layered and emotionally rich portrait that everyone needs to see asap - and further supports that Juneteenth needs to be made an official national holiday already.

I was amazed on the portrayal of something I wanted to particiapte in....

[jgreenwood-60458 · 10/10 · 26 June 2020]

I grew up here in Fort Worth, TX and to see this story unfold before my eyes was refreshing. I always wanted to be in the pageant but I knew we couldn't afford it and I always felt I didn't have the talent or looks to be a Juneteenth Queen (Basically I felt I was to fat), but seeing this truly made me feel as if I was part of it from the success to the failure...I felt the pain of the actresses. I understood the mother's desire to have her daughter finish something she started, but then I also understood the daughters desire to be herself.

The relationship with her and her daughters father, was odd, but not uncommon. I actually knew a couple (Well not) that actually had that relationship and to see this...made me know that people truly do this. Why I don't know? But I think the way she wrote this left so much room for a for a part 2. So much was left unanswered and for me that was good.

I am proud of all that participated in this project and I must say I fall asleep easily on films....and this one...I watched beginning to the end. Not only did I watch...I want to see if the pageants are still held and make sure I help promote it next 2021 year. Congratulations. You brought awareness and the desire to support this to me....

Bringing Visibility to the Struggles of Everyday People

[AkelloStone · 10/10 · 25 June 2020]

The word sonder is defined as "the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own-populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries . . ." However, most of us are unwilling to take the time to bear witness to, understand, or feel what it's like to truly walk in the shoes of those whose lives are so very different, or perhaps so very much the same as our own. Miss Juneteenth is a beautifully written and directed character study-an intimate, emotional exploration of the enduring and endearing resilience of the Black woman-as told through the seemingly insurmountable challenges that typify the day-to-day life experiences of Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie). Her work ethic is palpable, only to be matched by the unwavering, righteous sacrifices she makes to firmly yet lovingly guide her daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) into adulthood; her fortitude so unflappable that her light shines brighter than any star in the Texas night sky. Yet through it all, she remains unequivocally regal, consistently maintaining a calmness, a groundedness, that espouses the attributes of a true queen-in any circumstance, context, time, or place.

June 19, 1865, is not a distant, imperceivable moment in time-a mere 115 years ago and a span of less than 4 generations-yet this country remains in perpetual, delusional denial about the lasting social and economic implications and catastrophic impacts that the institution of slavery continues to exert upon Black lives. The film's backdrop of Fort Worth, Texas, offers viewers a rare and intimate glimpse into the daily lives of working-class Black folk. Their stories are that of persistence, characterized by immense yet fleeting moments of joy, unprecedented achievement, and the power of togetherness amidst the pain and sorrows of uncertainty, are more than worth being told. People's voice is undeniably and artistically emancipatory.

Best Movie EVER!

[oshiyoyeolusegun-71607 · 10/10 · 22 June 2020]

Well, the ratings here ain't that bad buti have to say this is a must watch for Hollywood movies lover. I love the scene where she had to stand her ground for not starting a relationship with the funeral dude. Also felt so weak when her daughter didn't win the pageant. It's a must watch for Hollywood movie lovers. Yes I said it.

A sweet slice of life portraying what it's like to be poor and Black with dreams

[goldenlampshade · 23 January 2021]

I saw a lot of myself and my family in this movie which I appreciated the representation of. All the worry about money and Nichole Beharie having to jump through hoops and play the game to get her daughter ahead in life is what being a Black parent is all about, truly a excellent performance. Kai, her daughter, is extremely adorable and we can sense her inner dreamer ready to burst out when given the water and sunlight needed to flourish. She represents all of us children of immigrants or multiple generation African Americans who are finding their place in a world that has yet to make the space for them. Having to worry about getting full ride scholarships and juggling her love and inner truths is weighty stuff and she handles it all with grace and heart. So deserved of the Gotham award hopefully this awesome indie movie and Nikki get their dues down the like as well <3

Likeable, realistic characters make for an enjoyable film (albeit one with little diversity!)

[euroGary · 8/10 · 1 October 2020]

'Juneteenth' is a celebration of the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas learned they were free - two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 'Miss Juneteenth' is a film based around a beauty contest for teenagers marking the occasion. Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie) won the contest, but was unable to complete her reign due to getting knocked up with daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze). Fifteen years later - with an eye to the prize of a scholarship to an 'historically black' university or college - she pressures Kai to take part in the pageant, but is so distracted with Kai's sexy but bad-boy father; with her alcoholic, religious mother; and with just making ends meet, that she does not fully appreciate Kai's reluctance.

It is unusual that a film centered around a beauty pageant contains no discussion of the 'cattle market' variety. Inevitably there *are* some racial politics ("There ain't no American dream for black folk") but the centre of the film is undoubtedly Turquoise's determination that Kai should enter the pageant as a means of securing her future. The relationship between mother and daughter is nicely portrayed: they may sometimes get on each other's nerves, but disputes never last long and usually end with smiles. This is an example of one of the film's main strengths: it could easily have descended into soap opera histrionics, but every time the viewer fears a scene is going to dissolve into tears and shouting, writer/director Channing Godfrey Peoples dials things back down to have her characters behaving like real people - full of faults, but for the most part good folk. In this she is aided by Beharie - her performance as the determined, realistic Turquoise is naturalistic and engaging. Chikaeze also does well - when she delivers her entry in the pageant's talent competition the viewer wants to stand up and cheer.

Mischievously, I note that at a time when the Oscars are refusing to consider films that do not include a certain diversity of ethnic involvement, 'Miss Juneteenth' contains only one speaking role for a white actor (a grumpy shop assistant who appears in only two scenes). But for this viewer the important thing is whether or not a film is enjoyable - and this one certainly was.