[SXSW 2024] THE BLACK SEA -- Funny, Intimate Satire Challenges the Viewer

Review by Sean Boelman

Credit: JACKSON HUNT

With her past work, Crystal Moselle has shown a knack for discovering extraordinary voices. First, she found the boys of The Wolfpack; then, the girls of Skate Kitchen; now, she has discovered Derrick B. Harden, with whom she co-directed The Black Sea. A funny, subtly sharp satire, The Black Sea is a film that can be hard to wrap your head around but is incredibly ambitious and undeniably intriguing.

Based on Harden’s experiences traveling in Bulgaria, the movie is about a Black man stranded as the only person of color in a small town with no way to get back home. Although the story starts somewhat familiar, the level of lived-in authenticity that Harden brings to the film allows it to remain refreshing. 

The movie takes a very documentary-like approach, which seems to be where Moselle’s background comes in. Even her narrative work (Skate Kitchen, Betty) has a clear verisimilitude. There’s no denying how gorgeous The Black Sea is, though, with cinematographer Jackson Hunt excellently capturing the Bulgarian setting in a consistently picturesque, often poetic way.

The Black Sea is certainly relaxed in its pacing, but viewers would be unwise to confuse that patience with lethargy. Harden and Moselle know precisely what they are building towards, and it’s a conclusion that pays off in unexpected ways. However, the filmmakers effectively keep the audience engaged — even through some of the moments that are lighter in conflict — with an odd sense of humor that almost creates a facade over the sinister undercurrents.

It’s surprising how subtly the movie manages to work in its commentary. There’s a lot to be said here, not only about racism but also about the fetishization of other cultures. The film calls into question both the discriminatory actions the protagonist is subjected to and the objectification he faces and how these are equally harmful in the long run.

Much of the movie’s success is owed to its co-director/star, who has such an incredible screen presence that it’s hard to believe this is his first role. Harden is charming, funny, and — most importantly — authentic. It genuinely feels like he’s a guy who could charm his way into a community of people who are reluctant to embrace him.

That being said, the characters that comprise the community in which the protagonist nests himself are rather archetypal. Each person has a role to play in the protagonist’s journey and rarely strays outside of that prescribed formula. Regardless, the cast — mostly nonprofessional actors — is all quite effective at what they do.

The Black Sea is a compelling, intimate, and often funny film. It’s not the type of movie to force-feed the audience, and while this does cause it to come across as aimless at times, it is always evocative. If nothing else, it introduces the world to the extraordinary talent that is Derrick B. Harden, and it will be exciting to see what he does next.

The Black Sea is screening at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, which runs March 8-16 in Austin, TX.

​Rating: 4/5