‘Washington Black’ Review: Sterling K. Brown in a Hulu Drama That Tackles Heavy History With Disarming Lightness of Spirit

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In simpler terms, the main idea of “Washington Black” is clearly stated right from the start. Sterling K. Brown’s character, Medwin, says, “This isn’t just his story; it’s our story.” This sets up themes like family, bravery, and motivation. The way it’s presented feels a bit traditional and instructive, aiming high but also potentially restrictive because the main character, Washington Black, is given the weight of representation before we even meet him.

Fortunately, Wash (Ernest Kingsley Jr.) has never been one to place much faith in the laws of gravity. Although Hulu’s adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s Booker Prize-nominated 2018 novel maintains a touch of solemnity throughout, it ultimately transforms into an unexpectedly nimble journey, mirroring both Wash’s character and his globe-trotting expeditions in its lightness and unpredictability.

The miniseries by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds begins, not quite at the climax of Wash’s story, but further along in it. We find George Washington Black, also known as “Jack Crawford” during his disguise, at the age of 19 in 1837. His life in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the final destination on the Underground Railroad, appears simple yet satisfactory. He manages to earn enough from dock work to rent a small room from Medwin, who shows affectionate sternness. Within the initial five minutes of the Wanuri Kahiu-directed premiere, he becomes smitten with Tanna (Iola Evans), a British aristocrat new to these lands.

Eight years ago, I was just an 11-year-old boy toiling away on a Barbados sugar plantation. That’s where I first crossed paths with Titch, the brilliant scientist brother of my oppressor. He recognized my inquisitive nature and admired my intelligence, so he invited me to assist him in building his ingenious creation – a precursor to a blimp, which he called a “cloud cutter.” In a critical moment, Titch and I made a daring escape together on this marvel, marking the beginning of an unpredictable journey across continents.

Switching between two different time periods, the novel Washington Black provides a unique perspective as it showcases both the early stages and the culmination of Wash’s adolescent development. However, the pressure to find deep and meaningful insights in every aspect of the storyline becomes more of a burden than an advantage. Although Medwin’s narration ends after the initial scene, a heavily dramatic soundtrack performs a similar function, leading us towards obvious emotions rather than subtly emphasizing or contrasting them.

The narrative swiftly moves along, briefly halting at each juncture to let Wash absorb whatever lesson life seems to be presenting him. However, these locations and their inhabitants are not fully realized or immersive for us, instead serving as symbols and metaphors rather than fully fleshed-out worlds. The warm familiarity found in other traveling series like Amazon’s “The Underground Railroad” or Peacock’s “Poker Face” is conspicuously absent here, making the story feel more like an informative video at times. With such a broad but shallow perspective, “Washington Black” sometimes gives off a didactic vibe.

Despite being a fictionalized account of history, this lesson is enjoyable, filled with unexpected twists and delightful turns. The relationship between Wash and Tanna, a biracial woman who rebels against the future her father envisioned (played by Rupert Graves), may seem contrived to make certain statements about inequality and those brave enough to challenge it. However, the chemistry between Kingsley and Evans is so endearing that we find ourselves cheering for their romance.

Furthermore, characters such as affectionate Kit, whom Wash considers like a mother on the plantation, and Nat Turner, who shows Wash a more aggressive form of resistance, may not stay for as long as we wish. However, Shaunette Renée Wilson and Jamie Hector (respectively) leave a lasting impact in their brief appearances.

Simultaneously, Brown’s outstanding act significantly strengthens Medwin’s stature as a powerful character on his own. However, it is hoped that the second part of the season will provide a deeper understanding of the complex father-like bond between Medwin and Wash, a relationship hinted at as nearly paternal. (Critics were provided with four out of the eight hour-long episodes.)

Washington Black shines brightest when it’s most cryptic and open to complexities. For instance, Titch, a character who leaves one feeling queasy due to his ambiguous nature, is portrayed. This white man claims abolitionism in his heart, evident in his uncommon kindness towards his brother’s slaves. Yet, he fails to stop using them for his own purposes. His bond with Wash resists easy labeling; although genuine in emotion, the fundamental contradictions within this relationship build up like a time bomb, seemingly set to explode in the latter half of the story.

As Wash gains more experiences, the drama becomes increasingly impactful and captivating. Karanja’s expressive acting allows us to observe the child absorbing everything around him, comprehending the advice from adults and noticing what they omit. We witness how he adjusts his viewpoint with each fresh piece of knowledge, gradually piecing together a cohesive understanding of himself, the world, and his role within it.

In Kingsley’s depiction, we come to understand what sort of person these lessons might eventually mold. At times, I found myself yearning for Wash to have more freedom to express his unique quirks, instead of serving as a representation for grander, more noble ideas. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged: As the story progresses, Medwin’s words seem truer and truer.

Wash isn’t your typical ordinary man; instead, he’s an extraordinary hero endowed with innate brilliance and courage earned through trials, driven by a lofty aspiration and unyielding resolve to bring his grandest dreams to fruition. Much like us, he is a blend of various influences and inspirations – the tales that span eras and borders, the groups characterized by both unity and diversity, the principles that conflict or contradict or merge to create new ones. Just as we do, he harbors countless lifetimes within himself.

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2025-07-21 15:55