Eve's Bayou (1997)★★★★★

I loved this movie. It’s not a terrific scary movie, but it is an epic, fantastic story. And EVERYONE in the movie was just so good.

I was so interested in this movie, and its story, and its actors, I went looking for whatever information I could find - and found some interesting things!

First, this is a writing and directorial debut for Kasi Lemmons. It’s such an impressive debut! It’s stunning and polished and haunting.

Second, Kasi Lemmons had written the screenplay years before the movie was made. Originally, Lemmons had Meagan Good in mind for the role of Eve, but by the time the filming started, she had aged out and instead played the role of Cisely.

And honestly, I’m glad it worked out that way, because Jurnee Smollett was so good as Eve, and Meagan Good wonderful as her older sister. My favorite performance by far, though, was Debbi Morgan’s Mozelle Batiste. It was so emotive and emotional, and helped carry the story of the film from beginning to end.

Two writeups I really enjoyed:

• This 1997 Washington Post review of the movie, which details some of the production and funding challenges, and also speaks with folks from the cast and crew of the movie as well as family and friends of Lemmons.
• Angelica Jade Bastién’s 20-year anniversary review, “20 Years Later, Eve’s Bayou Is Still a Stunning Portrait of Black American Life”