Rani Batra

I loved this film. “Caste” was a masterpiece, and found Ava Du Vernay’s interpretation added a layer of emotional depth and impact to Isabel Wilkerson’s beautifully written and meticulously researched book. A few things that stood out to me in the film: *Du Vernay wove together 4 major storylines so beautifully. The film deftly moved between Nazi Germany, the Jim Crow South, post-independence India, and Wilkerson’s own personal story in a way that have both depth and emotional resonance to the themes of the movie. *Unsurprisingly, Ava Du Vernay and her team did a masterful job of casting the film and the lighting, makeup and costumes honoring black and brown actors in all their beauty. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s skin tone was beautifully lit, and her wardrobe was spot on and realistic for a brainy, beautiful black scholar. *The film powerfully depicted the emotional toll of fighting for justice and reporting on tragedies like Trayvon Martin. I could feel the weight of that burden in Isabel’s voice and body language, and see its impact on the health of so many in the black community. I hope this film is heavily promoted on the streaming services, it’s a must-see!