Film Review: Revisiting Black Nativity: A Holiday Classic or Missed Opportunity?
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Dec 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Holiday films have always held a special place in cinema, particularly for their ability to bring families together and explore themes of love, hope, and redemption. Among the pantheon of Black Christmas films, Black Nativity (2013), directed by Kasi Lemmons, stands out as a bold, contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' beloved play. With a star-studded cast including Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, and Jacob Latimore, the film set its sights on combining soulful music, familial tension, and spiritual redemption into a single holiday package. But how well does it hold up over time?
A Contemporary Take on a Literary Classic
Langston Hughes’ original play, Black Nativity, is a cornerstone of African-American theater. First performed in 1961, it celebrated the Black experience through gospel music, poetry, and storytelling. Lemmons' adaptation reimagines this narrative for a modern audience, replacing the straightforward nativity story with a contemporary drama centered on family reconciliation. The change is ambitious, providing an accessible entry point for younger audiences unfamiliar with Hughes’ work.
Jacob Latimore plays Langston, a Baltimore teenager sent to spend Christmas with his estranged grandparents, Reverend Cornell (Whitaker) and Aretha Cobbs (Bassett), after his mother, Naima (Hudson), faces eviction. Langston's journey of frustration, rebellion, and eventual spiritual awakening provides the backbone of the narrative, accompanied by a vibrant gospel-infused soundtrack.
The Performances
The cast is undeniably one of the film’s greatest strengths. Forest Whitaker brings gravitas to Reverend Cobbs, a character torn between his unwavering faith and unresolved familial wounds. Angela Bassett shines as the warm yet firm Aretha, offering much-needed emotional grounding to the story. Jennifer Hudson’s Naima is compelling, though underutilized, her vocal talents adding power to the film's musical moments.
Jacob Latimore, as the film’s central figure, delivers a commendable performance, capturing Langston's vulnerability and inner turmoil. However, at times, his arc feels overly reliant on the script’s heavy-handed messaging. Supporting appearances by Tyrese Gibson and Mary J. Blige inject energy into the narrative but feel more like cameos than fully realized characters.
The Music: A Saving Grace
The musical numbers, which blend gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, are undeniably the film's highlight. Jennifer Hudson’s powerful voice elevates every scene she sings in, while the ensemble numbers capture the spirit of community central to both Hughes’ play and the holiday season. For fans of gospel music, Black Nativity is a feast, offering moments of pure joy and spiritual upliftment.
Themes of Faith, Healing, and Family
Black Nativity does an admirable job exploring themes of faith, healing, and family, particularly as they pertain to the African-American experience. The estranged relationship between Naima and her parents mirrors many real-life stories of generational tension and reconciliation, particularly within religious households. Langston’s arc from skepticism to spiritual awakening is emotionally resonant, even if it occasionally feels overly predictable.
Why We Like It
Representation Matters: At a time when Black holiday films were few and far between, Black Nativity filled an important cultural void, presenting a narrative that centers Black family dynamics and spirituality.
Musical Brilliance: The soundtrack is a powerful blend of genres, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Black culture.
Strong Performances: Whitaker, Bassett, and Hudson bring emotional depth and star power, making the film a memorable experience.
The film’s name links to the nativity of Jesus, a befitting title for a film about christmas.
Some Missed Marks
Heavy-Handed Messaging: The film's moral lessons, while important, lack subtlety, often feeling like sermons rather than organic storytelling.
Pacing Issues: The narrative sometimes meanders, with certain subplots left underdeveloped or rushed.
Underutilized Source Material: While Hughes’ play remains a classic, the film's departure from its structure and themes may disappoint purists who hoped for a more direct adaptation.
Black Christmas Films in Historical Context
Black Christmas films have long been a rarity, making the release of Black Nativity a significant cultural moment. Classics like The Preacher’s Wife (1996), starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington, and more recent entries like Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) highlight the importance of stories that center Black joy, community, and resilience during the holidays. Black Nativity occupies a unique space within this canon, offering a modern take on faith and redemption.
Where to Watch Black Nativity in 2024 | How I watched it
As we embrace the holiday spirit in 2024, Black Nativity remains a go-to choice for families and gospel music lovers. The film is currently available to stream on popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, making it accessible for viewers worldwide. You can also rent or purchase it on VOD services such as Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. Whether you're revisiting this holiday gem or discovering it for the first time, Black Nativity is a heartfelt addition to your Christmas watchlist.
Final Thoughts- watching in 2024
While Black Nativity is not without its flaws, it remains a meaningful holiday film for its celebration of Black culture, music, and family. Its contemporary spin on Langston Hughes’ classic is ambitious, though it occasionally falters in execution. We’re calling it a Christmas classic, and recommend it to you! For viewers seeking a heartfelt story with powerful performances and soul-stirring music, Black Nativity is worth revisiting—especially during the holiday season. Its imperfections aside, the film offers a rare and valuable perspective on Christmas, making it a noteworthy addition to the evolving tradition of Black holiday cinema.
Comments