In writer-director Mariama Diallo’s debut feature, Master, three women strive to find their place at a prestigious New England university whose frosty elitism may disguise something more sinister. Professor Gail Bishop (Regina Hall) has recently been promoted to “Master” of a residence hall, the first time at storied Ancaster College that a Black woman has held the post. Determined to breathe new life into a centuries-old tradition, Gail soon finds herself wrapped up in the trials and tribulations of Jasmine Moore (Zoe Renee), an energetic and optimistic Black freshman. Jasmine’s time at Ancaster hits a snag early on when she’s assigned a dorm room that is rumored to be haunted. Things get worse when Jasmine clashes in the classroom with Liv Beckman (Amber Gray), a professor in the middle of her own racially charged tenure review. As Gail tries to maintain order and fulfill the duties of a Master, the cracks begin to show in Ancaster’s once-immaculate facade. After a career spent fighting to make it into Ancaster’s inner circle, Gail is confronted with the horrifying prospect of what lies beneath, her question ultimately becoming not whether the school is haunted, but by whom.
This particular film was very interesting and different to say the least. It touched on racial stereotypes, underlying racial issues in the workspace, racial crisis identity and more.
I particularly liked it because it was relatable when it came to being a black woman in the work place and things we deal with all the time. The movie didn’t tip toe around and it was straight toward which as black women we wish we could a lot of times at work.
We had a chance to speak to Renee which she opened up about the first time she had a cultural shock that made her realize she wasn’t in a safe place. She also opened up about when she first realized she was different from other little girls because of the textures of her hair. Which I believe as a black female most of us have felt less than in some type of way before, because of the texture of our hair as a child. As a black female you tend to embrace it as you get older and realize it is apart of your crown.
Add Comment