ENTERGALACTIC IS NOT FOR KIDS!
Okay, let’s begin.
On September 30th, 2022, Kid Cudi's ENTERGALACTIC made its groundbreaking entry into Black romance. The film was released as an adult animation on Netflix and has been applauded for its masterful storytelling and use of animation among other things. My favorite aspects of the film, however, are its creativity and the themes it addresses while maintaining that it is a romance story.
Accompanied by an album of the same name, ENTERGALACTIC focuses on the relationship that forms between two young Black artists, Jabari (the main character played by Kid Cudi) and Meadow (his love interest played by Jessica Williams). The film's innovative use of animation creates an intimate connection with the characters, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
One significant aspect of the film is its authentic depiction of the relationship between Jabari and Meadow. From their almost-encounters to their meet-cute and eventual situationship turned relationship, the chemistry between the characters feels palpable and genuine. Jabari is portrayed as cool and kind, while Meadow is down-to-earth and, according to Jabari, an angel. The clothing, designed by the late Virgil Abloh, is almost lifelike, which adds to the film's authenticity. The scenes between Meadow and Jabari are colorful, joyous, and romantic, drawing the audience even further into their connection.
The film's innovative use of animation also allows for a nuanced depiction of Black relationships on screen. On top of that, the animation style conveys the characters' emotions, personalities, and storytelling style. It creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the characters, drawing the audience into Jabari's mind, whether he's having a nightmare or intoxicated. We are also occasionally taken away from the film’s main animation style when some of the other characters are narrating something. The use of animation allows for the stylization of everything, providing insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions. It also, through the different animation styles, reminds us that the movie is taking place in Jabari’s world.
As a romance movie, ENTERGALACTIC gets it right without leaning heavily on tropes and stereotypes to replace quality writing. According to the rom-com formula, the film has all the essential ingredients for a happy ending. Serendipitous meet-cute? Check. Set in New York with a protagonist in a large apartment? Check and check. Jabari and Meadow are likable and believable, they have smoldering chemistry, and the movie focuses on them falling for each other as they get to know each other.
I do wish, however, that there was a more consistent and precise way to show the passage of time in the movie. One montage seemed to represent just a single day while the other appeared to span over several weeks, creating confusion due to the inconsistency in the presentation of time.
Kid Cudi's involvement as the creator and star of the film is also significant. As a Black artist who has been pushing boundaries in music and now in film, Kid Cudi brings a unique perspective to the story. He has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, drug addiction, and his efforts to be a role model for young Black people. His involvement in ENTERGALACTIC is a testament to the power of diverse representation in media and the importance of pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling techniques.
The film features Jabari's internal struggles and battle with escapism, a metaphor for Mr. Rager's creation. Fueled by sex, drugs, and alcohol, Jabari navigates his career, a new relationship, and an old relationship. The movie also features an interesting commentary on capitalism, with the dating app Stush as a symbol of the impact of money on love and relationships.
Jabari's spray-painting of Mr. Rager dunking a basketball (the New York Knicks logo) and being weighed down by bags of money is a direct commentary on capitalism and sports and serves as a metaphor for how the commodification of athletes and entertainers has led to issues such as exploitation, overwork, and burnout.
To conclude, Kid Cudi's ENTERGALACTIC is a groundbreaking film that sets a new standard for the depiction of Black love in film and television. Overall, it is a significant addition to Black romance in film and television. By creating a character, a universe, and a soundtrack, Kid Cudi has given us a unique and powerful piece of art that challenges the norms of traditional storytelling. The film reminds us of the ongoing importance of telling diverse stories and perspectives on screen and encourages Black creators to continue exploring different mediums of storytelling to showcase the richness and complexity of Black experiences.
Personal verdict: ENTERGALACTIC is an excellent addition to both the Black romance and adult animation genres, and its impact will be felt for years to come. With six nominations and three awards so far, it’s exciting to see what happens when creativity is unbound.
To all creators, Scott, Jabari & Mr. Rager have the same message:
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