A review of the movie Jezebel, written and directed by Numa Perrier

By S.L. Jordan

A few weeks ago I received an email from the Houston Museum of African American Culture about a free movie premiere for a film entitled Jezebel. Since I cut the cord with cable a few years ago I am admittedly behind on any movie that is not superhero centered, but a free movie is a free movie. I had previously attended the premiere for the Lorraine Hansberry documentary at the HMAAC, and enjoyed the experience so I figured why not.

I vaguely remembered reading that the movie would be released on Netflix and had already premiered at SXSW earlier last year. I recalled being impressed, unaware at the time that Numa had an impressive resume already – more on that later.

The only summary of the movie I could find online declared it was a coming of age tale, and as a YA writer myself I expected a movie about the usual teenage angst. BOY, WAS I WRONG.

DISCLAIMER:

1. This is NOT a think piece. Yes, this film explored and introduced sex work, the inter-workings and the humanity of the industry in a way that is not usually depicted in film, especially for a young black woman. Check out this article out on the themes explored within the film.
2. I arrived a few minutes late and missed the first few moments of the film. I had intended to watch those missed minutes before I did my review, but life got in the way and today is my day to post – NO EXCUSES-, however I am confident that I can give a summary with no real spoilers.
3. From what I have read online, this movie is based on Numa Perrier’s life experience as a sex worker.

The opening scene, or rather my opening scene, cemented the bond between the protagonist Tiffany and her older sister Sabrina – who was played by Numa. Please remember at this point I am still expecting teenage melodrama, so when Sabrina brings out a wig she called Jezebel for Tiffany to try on the Detroiter in me found it hard not to laugh at the condition of the wig. I mean, it looked like Sabrina kept that wig in the corner of her closet. It was dry and tangled, and I’m thinking what job interview is she going on in that wig??? Nevertheless, they are able to secure the wig over her natural hair sans stocking cap. I was able to piece together from their conversation that their mother had recently passed away, and this job -whatever it was- was sorely needed. It is revealed later that there are five people [ 4 able bodied adults and 1 child] living in a one bedroom apartment.

I’m still clueless as to the adventure that Tiffany, now going by Jezebel, is embarking on. Walking into a sparsely furnished building, we watch as Tiffany is hired on the spot to work as a … honestly, I am not sure of the correct term. I know it was an online chat group and involved a webcam, but since the movie takes place in the 90’s and I was … uh at the oldest 16 in 1999 I have no idea what they called women who worked in that medium.

This is when the story gets gritty. Right before our very eyes we see Tiffany transform into Jezebel and take ownership of her sexuality and the confidence that comes along with that. There were definitely cringe worthy moments in the movie for me, and that isn’t due to poor writing or plot, but the utter rawness emitting from the screen.

For a film taking place within the sex industry, there was hardly any nudity. No more than you would see during prime time television viewing. Numa used the actual vulnerability of the characters and their lives to strip them bare while still clothed. Being the only African American Tiffany was simultaneously fetishized and degraded. I remember walking out thinking about how cycles of poverty are continuous and if they could truly be broken.

I do not want to spoil this film for anyone, and even though we live in a binge culture and it’s been FOUR DAYS since it was released on Netflix – during a three day weekend [for some]- I will leave it at this, ” WHERE THE FUCK IS BOBBY?”

I have been encouraging all of my friends to support this woman, and watch the film. Saturday, while at dinner with friends I was giving my in-depth review [ total spoilers], when I was given the run down of Numa Perrier’s resume. She is the co-founder of Black & Sexy TV – which is available on a monthly paid streaming service model using VHX.