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(L-R) Barry Jenkins, Regina King, KiKi Layne and Stephan James/Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Annapurna

If Beale Street Could Talk Gets Essence Fest Talking

Based on James Baldwin’s timeless novel, If Beale Street Could Talk is the soul-searing story of newly engaged Harlem woman Tish (Kiki Layne) who races against the clock to prove her lover’s (Stephan James) innocence while carrying their first-born child. It’s billed as a celebration of love told through a young couple, their families and their lives, fighting for justice through love and the promise of the American dream.

Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Annapurna

And If this sounds like a potential Oscar contender, it absolutely is, with a dazzling cast headed by Regina King, Stephan James, Kiki Layne, Teyonah Parris and Brian Tyree Henry along with Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) who introduced exclusive clips during a special Essence Fest screening.

Now, we only saw a few minutes of an unfinished cut but it looks incredible–the vintage set pieces, authentic Harlem energy and Barry Jenkins’ signature screen-smoldering lighting on melanin–WHEW–loved it, and look forward to seeing the entire film ASAP.

Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Annapurna

If Beale Street Could Talk hits theaters later this year!

Feature photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Annapurna

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