The 1992 indie film directed by Leslie Harris centers around Chantel, a bright Black high school junior navigating life in pre-gentrified Brooklyn. Played by Ariyan A Johnson, Chantel dreams of becoming a doctor but struggles with authority and personal relationships. After an impulsive decision leads to an unexpected pregnancy, the film shifts from light-hearted moments to more serious themes of responsibility and societal challenges. The performances are characterized by a naturalistic, improvisational style, contributing to the film's exploration of race, class, and the struggles of adolescence, ensuring it remains a relevant social commentary today.
There's a very funny moment when Chantel goofily sneaks out of the school library while singing the theme tune to TV's Mission: Impossible.
When she finally has sex with her boyfriend Tyrone, dizzied by his ownership of a Jeep, it ends in pregnancy and further disasters.
This is a political film about race, sex and class, reminding us that nothing brings these issues into sharp focus quite like a young woman's coming of age.
Ariyan A Johnson carries the movie with unselfconscious charm and grace, and her fourth wall breaks always feel natural and amusing.
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