Soul Food • The Next Reel

“My grandma always said, ‘Family pulling together in times of need will make it strong.’” The Family That Eats Together: A Discussion of Soul Food Before Soul Food hit theaters in 1997, writer and director George Tillman Jr. struggled to get his first feature film made. After selling the script, the production company went under before filming began. Undeterred, Tillman persevered and found new backing from Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and his wife Tracey. Their shared vision brought Tillman’s semi-autobiographical story to life. Soul Food went on to become a breakout hit, launching Tillman’s career and sparking an ongoing debate about family, culture, and tradition. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Nominees series with a conversation about Tillman Jr.’s 1997 film Soul Food. Digging into Family, Food, and Forgiveness In our lively discussion, we dig into the joys and tensions of the Joseph family’s Sunday dinners. We’re divided on the effectiveness of young Ahmad’s voiceover narration as a narrative device. The family relationships feel authentic, with standout performances from the actresses playing the three sisters – Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, and Nia Long. However, we take issue with some of the easy storytelling choices, especially regarding Lem’s return to prison. The “fairy tale” ending strains believability more for Andy than Pete, but it does raise thought-provoking questions about the role of food and togetherness in absolving past wrongs. More Food for ThoughtAppreciating the film’s universal messages about family bondsMama’s troubling role in cultivating the family’s unhealthy dietBrandon Hammond’s sweet portrayal of young AhmadMichael Beach excelling with an interesting roleDirector George Tillman Jr.’s growth between this film and The Hate U Give Bringing Families Together Soul Food succeeds in celebrating the aspirational joy of gathering family around the table. While we question some of the storytelling choices, the performances draw us into the sprawling Joseph family. Throughout our conversation, we find plenty to chew on, from fairy tale endings to the competing pulls of past and future. It makes for a nourishing discussion worth tuning in to. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annuallyWant to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel! Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for? What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.