Miss Juneteenth

Writer-director Channing Godfrey Peoples gets the working poor: in particular how they see middle class life as an escape, all while elites look down on them. She's also gifted with Nicole Beharie--whose black working woman acting rivals what Halle Berry does. I just wish the pageant subplot was stronger; especially as a balance to Hollywood's Weiner Kid films about competitions. And the third act love story melodrama is too similar to Tyler Perry & Shonda Rhimes. Still, marginal recommendation.

A touching slice of life drama that tackles several topics. The two-hander lets both leads absolutely shine in a very honest mother-daughter relationship. Beautifully photographed and acted.

I gathered that Nicole Beharie is a bit player but now I'll know her from Miss Juneteenth.