Jayla Johnson 
When I found out the reboot of The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule, was going to be a musical, I was skeptical at first… because how is the original meant to be a musical?
Even if the new one is a “reboot,” a recreation of the original 1985 film, I was certain it would have its own twist on things. Before going to watch the reboot in theaters, I predicted what I felt like the writers would change it into. Firstly, musicals intensify drama and seeing as the original was just as intense with traumatic scenes, the movie couldn’t be too sorrowful if the characters were going to be singing. My prediction: A brighter perspective.
The original film cast Whoopi Goldberg who played the character Celie, a dark-skin woman who was mentally and physically abused by her father as a child and later dealt with the hardship of marrying her abusive husband against her will. The film was monumental to depict unforeseen circumstances that Black women face historically and statistically. I knew in 2023, a musical reboot of The Color Purple would showcase the uplifting of a hurt Black woman.
After watching the movie on Christmas day, I can attest that my prediction was correct. The movie did its best to highlight the unity and strength of Black women. The songs were great, the visuals were narrative, and needless to say, the ending was the best part. I enjoyed the movie’s emphasized change. Whether it is negative or positive, the outlook of a specific “change” is what matters after breaking into a song. However, I must admit what made the original so special is that it was uncensored. You couldn’t look the other way. Celie being abused from child to her adult years was the movie, along with her counterparts, because it was her timeline and trauma that made the movie unforgettable. You looked at Celie and wanted to protect her. The reboot was maybe too…happy? Forgiving?
But if there was ever going to be such a reboot, this is how it should be in 2023. Most people know what happened in the original. What we don’t know is how Celie built herself back up. Leaving with Shug Avery at the ending of the original film was not enough evidence that Celie turned out to be better for herself and for her children. Therefore, when comparing the two, I feel nothing is like the original, but the retrospectiveness of the original film in a positive light was real, and I believe it gave a sincere message: Move forward with whatever you endure.
The reboot was focused on everyone’s character development. This is not a bad thing, but breaking into a song after traumatic scenes makes you forget about it quickly. Apart from my dislikes, the overall movie was definitely eye catching and the cast did a phenomenal job. Taraji P. Henson’s versatility as an actress, Danielle Brooks’ confidence, and Fantasia Barrino Taylor’s authenticity and mesmerizing voice really made the entire film come together. The trio deserve their flowers and future nominations.
By Jayla Johnson, Illinois State University Alum
Instagram: Jaylalj_
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