Nappily Ever After

Nappily Ever After

Nappily Ever After is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and written by Adam Brooks and Cee Marcellus. It is based on the novel of the same name by Trisha R. Thomas. The film stars Sanaa Lathan, Ricky Whittle, Lyriq Bent, Ernie Hudson, and Lynn Whitfield, and follows the life of Violet Jones (played by Lathan) who experiences a personal awakening after a series of events lead her to shave her head.

Plot

Violet Jones is a successful advertising executive who has a seemingly perfect life; a great job, a handsome doctor boyfriend, and a meticulously maintained, flawless hairstyle. However, her perfectionist attitude is challenged when an accident at the hairdresser leads her to shave off all her hair, setting her on a journey of self-discovery. As Violet navigates the world with her new look, she confronts societal norms, battles stereotypes, and seeks to redefine her own understanding of beauty, love, and success.

Cast

• Sanaa Lathan as Violet Jones
• Ricky Whittle as Clint
• Lyriq Bent as Will Wright
• Ernie Hudson as Richard Jones
• Lynn Whitfield as Paulette Jones
• Camille Guaty as Wendy
• Brittany S. Hall as Zoe

Production

Nappily Ever After was announced in 2017 with Haifaa al-Mansour directing and Sanaa Lathan attached to star. The film is produced by Tracey Bing, Jared LeBoff, and Marc Platt. Principal photography began in Atlanta, Georgia, in August 2017.

Release

The film was released on September 21, 2018, by Netflix, making it available to a global audience. It received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Lathan's performance and the film's exploration of themes related to identity, beauty standards, and self-acceptance.

Reception

Critics lauded Nappily Ever After for its heartfelt message and Sanaa Lathan's compelling portrayal of Violet. The film was noted for its candid exploration of societal pressures on women to conform to certain beauty standards and the empowering journey of self-discovery and acceptance that the protagonist undergoes. However, some critics felt that the film could have delved deeper into its themes.

Themes

The film tackles themes of beauty standards, self-love, and identity. Violet's journey is a powerful narrative on the liberation from societal expectations and the importance of finding one's true self beyond physical appearances. It also touches on the dynamics of romantic and familial relationships, highlighting the impact of personal growth on these interactions.

See Also

• Romantic comedy films
• African American cinema
• Films based on American novels