Attention. This article contains spoilers.
Netflix debuts the film adaption of Nappily Ever After the book by the same name, written in 2001 by Trisha R. Thomas. The film focuses on Violet Johnston, a confident 35 year old woman who has been holding back her true self since she was 10 years old. For Violet her hair rules her life, it leads her career goals, her choice of mate and even her personal style. But after a series of events trigger Violet to cut off all her hair it allows V to explore all the things about herself she’s kept inside. This includes sharing herself with friends old and new and ultimately deciding who she wants to be moving forward.
In the age of the natural hair movement where black women are exploring their beauty and breaking free from weighted beauty norms dramatically outside our favor, watching our heroine, played by Sanaa Lathan, take this journey of self discovery is amazing. But it isn’t easy. Violet’s struggle to step away from pop culture beauty expectations is real. This is why I’ve outlined 10 liberating moments in Violet’s journey to “Nappily Ever After”.
1. Going bald.
It is widely known lead actress Sanaa Lathan elected to shave her head for the part. But nothing can prepare you to watch the emotional heartache as she removes her hair. In this scene Sanaa Lathan gives an award worthy performance.
2. Embracing The Change.
There is no going back after shaving your head nor is it easy to watch Violet deal with the fallout from her decision. But when she finally OWNS the look it is inspiring.
3. Black Mermaid – Estero
Vivienne shares a little part of herself with this song. And it’s a big deal.
“I’m a black mermaid, from the bottom of the sea
I will teach you how to love me, in the greatness I will lead you
‘cause I’m a black mermaid, nothing weary you will find
I’m here for you to love me, I’ve been here for all the time
And I will wait for you to see me and to understand
That a woman can restore the soul love and the broken men
If you can look beyond the waves and just believe in me
I am the lighthouse, I’m standing strong”
4. Violet Gets Wet.
It is a known rule that you DO NOT wet a black woman’s hair. And this taboo shows up often in the film. When Violet finally releases that fear, of not having perfect, straight hair, and she hops in the shower with her man, it’s liberating and hott.
5. Violet Asks For Help.
Violet is a strong and confident woman in the film. But being perfect means she never asks for help, even from her friends. That all changes in a big way.
6. Exploring Something New.
Violet’s hair often dictates her style choices. Being perfect means meeting a standard she isn’t comfortable with all the time. When Violet changes her hair she also changes some of her lifestyle choices and opens herself up to new opportunities.
7. Violet Dances Like No One Is Watching.
Realistic to the world today, the beauty standards Violent shirks in the film do not go away. While Violet isn’t able to simply let it go, she finds new ways to cope instead- in this scene she dances it out. It’s really cool.
8. Violet Makes A Sacrifice.
The film’s most liberating moment is the sacrifice Violet makes for her 10 year old self. She jumps in the pool.
9. Jamila Woods — “Holy”
One of the emotionally liberating songs from the soundtrack.
“Woke up this morning with my mind set on loving me
With my mind set on loving me
Woke up this morning with my mind set on loving me
With my mind set on loving me
I’m not lonely, I’m alone
And I’m holy by my own
I’m not lonely, I’m alone
And I’m holy by my own”
10. Violet Moves Forward.
By the end of the film Violet has made a lot of life changing choices and it’s inspiring to watch her move forward decided in her career, her love life and even her style.
Nappily Ever After is currently on Netflix.
Other amazing moments in Nappily Ever After:
- The song playing when Violet shaves her head, The Cinematic Orchestra – ‘To Build A Home’.
- Will rubs Violet’s scalp with a natural hair oil – wow, wow, wow.
- Will wins for best first date. He takes Violet to see an amazing flora sculpture at the botanical gardens.
- Dad’s modeling advert was VERY effective.
- Violet’s ‘Jew Fro’ comment.
- Retro art in Violet’s boss’s office.
- Violet’s pitch for a beer commercial – even I want to see this get made.
The Fashion Plate Magazine 