Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Its my satirical horror love letter.
Is that a thing?
I guess were making it a thing.
After seeing the film, Id say no.
Perhaps, but it would require a nimble filmmaker with a strong vision to pull it off.
(Im already tired recounting that.)
Maybe, in another era, I could have handled the missteps ofBad Hairwith less anger.
Unfortunately, Im tired of the frankly terrible Black horror films and shows of late, fromAntebellumtoLovecraft Country.
IfBad Hairis a love letter as Simien says, its written with a poison pen.
(Just consider his previous film and Netflix seriesDear White People.)
It isnt surprising, then, that the characters inBad Hairare brought to life so poorly.
The termcampyis often thrown around far too often to describe works that dont wholly meet their aims.
ButBad Hairlacks a sense of play or archness necessary to operate with the wondrous possibility of camp.
So who is this film really for?
It may posture as if its for Black women and Black audiences, but its too patronizing for that.
Every time a character especially Waithe as on-air personality Brook says the wordsistait made my skin crawl.
It was as if they had never said it before.
But I question narrative Hollywood filmmakings ability to reflect and interrogate the Black lifeworld.