The Other Black Girl

The story was good up until the last two episodes which ruined the entire storyline for me. The first eight episodes were good and ended with a twist that had me wanting to see where the main story was headed. Once I saw the main twist and where things fell into place, I actually laughed out loud and almost turned off the TV before the episode ended.

I know the series is based off a book, so they had to follow the same storyline. This could have been so much better with a different ending. The author should have went a different route on what was causing all the mystery and suspense. If the show is renewed for a second season, I will definitely not watch it.

I'll keep it real. During the first 10 or so minutes of the pilot, I wasn't really feeling this show. It felt too cliché in all the horror elements that Stranger Things did 10x better.

But then I kept watching. And I. Couldn't. Stop. I'm truly blown away by the originality of these writers to construct episodes and plots I have yet to see in TV. If the comparison does justice, it's like Get Out mixed with a little bit of Us. I laughed. I cried. I mmmhmm'd. It's an unapologetic show that gracefully covers race relations without being over-direct about it.

My only complaint is toward the end, in which the plot twists came at the cost of some logically unsound events. Had these latter story elements been as pristine as the surprises, I might've leaned toward a 10. The acting of the main characters are perfect; some of the lesser seen characters felt a little kiddish. I also felt like the backstory we got of (you know who) felt unfinished and rushed. You can't possibly do a backstory justice in just one episode and a few cheesy flashbacks.

Overall amazing. Will definitely watch it again once I start to forget the plot a little. Truly worth (most) every minute.

I only intended to watch the first episode, but I couldn't stop. I *had* to find out what happened, and I wasn't disappointed, even though I stayed up way too late to finish it.

It's a tribute to the actors that they were able to show the increasing layers of their characters as the story went on and became more complex. Multiple sides of many issues emerged, and one important lesson I took away from The Other Black Girl is that there are no easy or simple answers to problems. It left me wanting more, and it seems that there is more to this story than one season revealed. So, let me just say: bring it on!

This is one of the more enjoyable new programs on Hulu (Sept. 2023). All of the lead roles are wonderfully portrayed. I look forward to Season 2, where we will likely get a back story on Nella's character. I especially like the interpretation from these lead actors: Sinclair Daniels (Nella), Ashleigh Murray (Hazel), Garcelle Beauvais (Diana), and Brittany Adebumola (hilarious as Malaika). Sadly, I feel that Hunter Parrish as Owen (Nella's beau) has been miscast. I get no genuine chemistry between them, and he appears awkward in most scenes.

The plot and stylistic approach seem to be a mashup of "Stranger Things" and "Get Out". There are also some cartoony vibes and dark humor. Although I've not read the book, it seems like it might be influenced by Octavia Butler (Black SciFi female writer who is well respected). Overall, this show doesn't take itself too seriously, and this is a positive. There are themes explored which reflect an interesting perspective on Black culture. That said, the sequencing of the writing became disjointed, and resulted in some tension being deflated. Specifically, the writers chose to reveal key info in Episode 8, and I think they would have done better to reveal more subtle hints as early as Episode 4.

I have to be honest and say that the first episode did not really blow me over. I am one of those people who want to know in what direction a series is going, before investing time in what in the end could turn out to be a disappointment. And "The Other Black Girl" is one of those series that you cannot judge by just one episode (as compared to more mainstream series).

But I'm so glad a continued watching and saw the multi-layers of this cross between "The Devil wears Prada", "Get Out" and "Rosemary's Baby".

A wonderful series, great acting, many twists and a thoughtful social commentary without trying to push it in your face.