Washington Black Review: An Endearingly Refreshing Take On The Coming-Of-Age Drama

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Release Date: 2025-07-23

Director: Maurice Marable, Wanuri Kahiu, Rob Seidenglanz

In the novel “Washington Black,” we encounter a unique twist on the coming-of-age story, focusing on a young boy’s transformation into manhood. However, this narrative deviates from the norm by centering around a Black child raised in slavery. What makes it even more unusual for the genre is that the protagonist is portrayed as a complex character whose life has been significantly shaped by his enslaved past, yet not solely defined by it. The film boasts impressive performances from its principal actors, including the charming Ernest Kingsley Jr. and the deeply compassionate Sterling K. Brown. “Washington Black” truly shines in its portrayal of the community of free men in Halifax who have fashioned their own way of life.

The novel “Washington Black” narrates the life-altering journey of George Washington Black, a young slave from Barbados, portrayed by Eddie Karanja in his childhood years and Kingsley Jr. during adulthood. His name, Washington Black, carries immense expectations, making his life challenging. Known as Wash, he experiences a transformation when he interacts with Titch (Tom Ellis), the intellectually curious younger brother of his master, Erasmus (Julian Rhind-Tutt).

While Titch finds slavery abhorrent, he is not against exploiting slave labor to build and test his flying machine prototype. Noticing potential in Wash, a child with an exceptional mind and artistic talent despite his lack of formal education, Titch decides to tutor him.

Wash’s adventure is merely getting started, leading him from his current location to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he discovers a liberated Black community that provides him with a sense of acceptance. However, things take a turn for the complex as, in quick succession, Wash finds himself smitten by a woman with lighter skin who has spent most of her life pretending to be white – a situation that could jeopardize his safety if they are seen together. Additionally, a group of bounty hunters appear on the scene, intent on collecting a ten-year-old reward for Wash’s capture.

It’s a classic adventure story

In “Washington Black,” an atmosphere similar to timeless adventure tales is present, where a young boy embarks on a voyage, encounters various peculiar and intriguing individuals, and matures as he explores the farthest reaches of the globe. However, this novel stands apart due to its African-American protagonist, Washington Black, whose personal background infuses his journey with depth and complexity. The realities of slavery and race are integral to every aspect of Wash’s life; yet, his narrative is not confined to the overused trope of a person of color suffering without much else. Instead, Washington’s story is marked by adventure, intellectual curiosity, friendship, and turmoil, but also by resilience and personal agency.

In the core of “Washington Black,” I found myself exploring the profound ties that bind us together, and the circumstances that spark their creation. Wash perceived Titch as a father figure, yet was cautioned by Titch’s sibling about his eventual departure – a notion that seemed inevitable from the start, given how Titch appeared to be drawn to an idea or person only for as long as it remained intriguing.

In Halifax, I discovered a new mentor in Medwin Harris (Sterling K. Brown), a charismatic figurehead within our community of former slaves, who was tirelessly dedicated to safeguarding us from the slave hunters that occasionally ventured north. For the first time in my existence, emotions I hadn’t felt before stirred within me when I crossed paths with Tanna Goff (Iola Evans), a mixed-race woman whose intellectual curiosity mirrored my own, igniting an unexpected romantic connection.

Wash wins over the audience immediately

The charm of Wash significantly contributes to the captivating nature of “Washington Black.” Despite his hardships, he maintains a hopeful outlook on life, often perceiving goodness in others and assuming they share his sincerity. His unwavering fascination with the world around him and insatiable curiosity make him an adorable protagonist. Both portrayals of Wash deliver compelling performances – Eddie Karanja portrays the young Wash as more reserved yet brimming with potential, while Ernest Kingsley Jr.’s charming demeanor makes it difficult not to cheer for him.

In “Washington Black,” each character appears genuine and well-developed, influenced by their past experiences yet choosing their own paths in life. The series skillfully transitions between the past and present, allowing us to comprehend the factors shaping them into the individuals they become. By seamlessly combining elements of adventure with personal conflicts, “Washington Black” is a captivating and intellectually stimulating show that matches the allure of its original novel penned by Canadian author Esi Edugyan.

“Washington Black” premieres on Hulu on July 23.

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2025-07-21 18:30