Let’s be real, there is pretty much nothing else on our mind this week than the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Movie studios knew better than to get in the Marvel film’s way this weekend so unless you’re going to see some of last week’s offerings, it is best to steer clear of the movie theaters unless you’re embarking on a trip to Wakanda. We caught up with director Ryan Coogler earlier this week, as well as the film’s stars Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira to talk all about the film, so find those interviews and our review here.
Another big moment this week was the Atlanta series finale. After four seasons, the FX show has come to an end giving us one of the most unique and memorable series finales we have seen in years. It might leave you scratching your head, and wondering what’s real and what isn’t, but it is worth a watch. It’s hard to say goodbye but since Donald Glover and his team have already moved on to work on their upcoming Amazon show, it’s best that we let go, too.
Andor has been heating up these past few weeks as well, so be sure to get caught up. As for me, I’m going to continue obsessing over Netflix’s Love Is Blind third season, which also came to an end this week. I don’t recommend it unless you’re in the mood for some mindless television that will probably get you hooked. Other than that, please report back next week but the remainder of what November has to offer in the TV and movie worlds.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
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When: Friday, Nov. 11
Where: In theaters
The latest installment in the MCU (the final entry in Phase 4) arrives today with the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The hotly anticipated sequel to the global phenomenon arrives, poised to be another sensation—albeit one with a decidedly somber tone as the tragic and sudden passing of star Chadwick Boseman in 2020 will be incorporated into the events of the film.
The Ryan Coogler-directed and co-written sequel sees Wakanda attempt to move forward in the wake of T’Challa’s passing as new international threats begin to descend upon what they believe to be a weakened nation. As these new foes—primarily from Namor (newcomer Tenoch Huerta, absolutely electric in his film debut)—begin to circle Wakanda, it’s up to Shuri (Letitia Wright), Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyon’o), and M’Baku (Winston Duke) to come together to face down the threat together.
This is one of—if not the most-anticipated movies of the year here at Complex. It’s going to be tough to live up to the expectations of the first film, but this creative team has more than earned our trust, and we think it will be an exceptional thing to watch. But you already know that. Hell, you probably already have tickets. We’ll see you at the movies. — William Goodman
'Atlanta'
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When: Thursday, Nov. 10
Where: FX and Hulu
It’s over. After four seasons, Donald Glover’s brainchild Atlanta has come to an end. In the show’s typical fashion, they went out with the most bizarre banger of a TV finale. “It Was All a Dream” finds Earn (Glover), Al (Brian Tyree Henry), Van (Zazie Beetz), and Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) preparing to go to a new sushi restaurant owned by a Black man. Darius goes on his own adventure prior to their lunch, which leads viewers to question whether or not the entire four seasons have just been figments of his imagination. It turns out Darius has been undergoing sensory deprivation tank therapy to treat his anxiety, which can often lead to hallucinations. He experiences several odd moments in the span of the episode (which you have to see for yourself), and the finale might not tie up all the loose ends that fans might have about where the characters end up but it gives you the exact dose of weirdness we’ve all come to know and love from the show.
While Season 4 pretty much determined that they had all found their ways and their lives were settling down, this episode is not the happy ending we’ve seen from other shows of this caliber. But what else did we expect? There was no way Glover and the team were going to leave us with a cookie-cutter ending when they have single-handedly created one of the most mystifying shows the television world has ever seen.
Did Paper Boi’s career even happen? Did they ever go to Europe? Was Teddy Perkins one of Darius’ hallucinations? Did Van and Earn really make it work? Or was it all just one of Darius’ dreams? From the looks of it, I guess we’ll never know. And I think I like it that way. —Karla Rodriguez.
'Andor' Episode 10, "One Way Out"
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When: Wednesday, Nov. 9
Where: Disney+
Whew. Andor’s last few episodes, helmed by Toby Haynes and written by House of Cards creator Beau Willimon, culminated in an absolutely electric set of moments in this week’s episode, “One Way Out.” Andor felt radical from the beginning, unafraid to fill itself full of weighty ideas about how evil spreads and how resistance grows under pressure. But the last stretch of episodes is particularly effective at exploring what happens when the opposed fight back. The result is staggeringly impressive.
I’m keen not to give away too much for those who are behind and are looking to catch up, so let me state that this three-episode arc is a living embodiment of an internal scream that gives way to a blood-curdling war cry, resulting in a rousing set of moments I legitimately didn’t know was still possible to have from Star Wars of all places.
For years, fans of the franchise have yearned for a “mature” Star Wars Story, and Andor is that wish fulfilled as a show with big ideas and strong feelings about authoritarianism. The thing with opposers is that if you push people around long enough, it’s only a matter of time before they bite back with thunderous fury. —William Goodman
