Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

As a woman of a certain age who has navigated her fair share of friendships through thick and thin, I found Girls Trip to be a refreshing and relatable portrayal of female camaraderie. The film’s journey of healing and empowerment between the Flossy Posse resonated deeply with me, as it mirrored my own experiences with lifelong friends.


As a gamer, I can vouch for how movies about camaraderie can offer some of the most heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, and nail-bitingly tense moments for viewers. Take, for instance, the comedy blockbuster “Girls Trip”, which certainly lives up to this amazing tradition. This all-female comedy stands out as a unique portrayal of Black friendship that’s often underrepresented on the silver screen. When it was released in 2017, it was like a breath of fresh air for big-screen comedies, showcasing strong bonds and revitalizing the genre.

In the ensemble comedy “Girls Trip,” friendships shone brilliantly, earning the film over $100 million at the box office. It wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it also garnered critical acclaim, even securing a favorable review from TopMob. Since its debut, this black comedy has stood tall among female-led buddy comedies. Given this context, I believe “Girls Trip” has become the epitome of Black friendship movies, and here’s why:

Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

Girls Trip Is About Friends Reconnecting After Drifting Apart

In simpler terms, this comedy explores the familiar theme of friends getting back together, specifically a group of old college pals who haven’t seen each other in five years and decide to meet up at the Essence Festival. The storyline offers a glimpse into each woman’s current life while also showing glimpses of their wild college days. Ryan, played by Regina Hall, is a successful lifestyle guru, Sasha, portrayed by Queen Latifah, runs a gossip website, Lisa, played by Jada Pinkett Smith, is a party-loving mom dealing with the aftermath of her divorce, and Dina, played by Tiffany Haddish, is the free-spirited and reckless one who continues to live life on the edge.

Just as real-life friendships sometimes do when life takes people in different directions, the Flossy Posse found themselves growing apart. Yet, being apart doesn’t weaken their bond; instead, they rededicate themselves to their lifelong friendship over the weekend. Naturally, rekindling old connections brings its share of love and tension.

Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

It’s A Rare Example Of Women Having Their Turn At Raunchy And Outrageous Fun

Movies in the genre of bro or fraternity comedies have long been known for their crude humor in films. Yet, movies such as Bridesmaids and Girls Trip demonstrate that women can also engage in similar humorous antics typically associated with men.

Certainly, Dina, our lively resident, initiates the merriment with her unconventional prayer. She prepares the girl gang for a wild ride before Ryan’s breakthrough deal, culminating in the famous dance-off sequence. Notably, even reformed partygoer Lisa succumbs to the temptation and indulges in some grown-up fun with Kofi Siriboe’s character. This relationship is remembered for its memorable grapefruit scene (for better or worse). Yet, this touching moment doesn’t rival Lisa’s infamous urination incident during a night of fun in New Orleans.

In those scenes, it became clear that Black women let go of their reservations and enjoy unbridled fun just like men do. The Flossy Posse chose an ideal moment and location for wild, intoxicating evenings filled with laughter and memories best forgotten.

Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

The Flossy Posse Navigates Changes And Personality Differences With Bumps Along The Way

In this film, the narrative primarily emphasizes the strong connection within the group of friends. Since their college graduation, each woman has undergone significant personal growth. Although shared experiences post-college have kept them close for pivotal life events, it doesn’t necessarily mean they fully understand one another as adults.

Despite the five-year difference in their friendship, it has fostered animosity and concealed secrets among these college friends who were once inseparable. This mounting tension eventually erupted into a bitter dispute within the group when some compromising photos of Ryan’s husband were leaked. Their experience mirrors the strains that male friendships often face, demonstrating that female friendships can also encounter similar trials and tribulations. Long-standing friendships aren’t exempt from feelings of envy and jealousy, particularly after a lengthy relationship.

Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

I Love Watching The Flossy Posse’s Bond Grow Through Healing And Empowerment

A less common aspect found in comedies is the portrayal of friendship healing processes. For instance, the movie “Girls Trip” tackles this theme as the characters work through their contrasting lifestyles and individual traits. In a comical manner, each character grapples with remorse while offering apologies and empathy. The healing journey eventually leads to empowerment, as Sasha, Lisa, and Dina help Ryan reveal her truth to a crowd of thousands.

As a gamer, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the emotional rollercoaster that was the Flossy Posse’s journey. Witnessing them drift apart and then reunite was like leveling up in a game, where each woman discovered newfound strength from their unbreakable bond. The movie didn’t just show us that soulmates aren’t always romantic partners; it brilliantly portrayed how these ladies found love and camaraderie within their heartwarming friendship.

Why I Think Girls Trip Is The Ultimate Black Friendship Movie

Girls Trip Celebrates Black Culture – Women Over 40, The Essence Festival, And New Orleans

Absolutely, the narrative of Flossy Posse was the main focus in this raunchy comedy, yet it also functioned as a heartfelt tribute to Black American culture. Each scene subtly incorporated hints and references without being overt about it. The charming setting of New Orleans and Essence Festival provided a lovely backdrop for such a salute to Black women. Since this underrepresented group gathers annually in the city for the multi-faceted festival, having the friends meet there felt fitting. The camaraderie portrayed in the film mirrored the vibrant and bold atmosphere at the three-day event.

Set against Essence Fest, the comedy offered a unique spectacle – it spotlighted Black women beyond their forties. For the first time, well-educated Black women were allowed to be as boisterous and unrestrained as their white peers on screen. Thus, “Girls Trip” was a refreshing departure from the norm in cinema. The antics of the Flossy Posse deviated from the typical male-centric road trip or bachelor party films we’re accustomed to watching. Interestingly, it also paid a subtle tribute to the iconic movie “Set It Off”, when Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith shared the screen together for the first time. The film celebrated Black culture in an authentic way without resorting to stereotypes or excessive explanation for a broader audience.

Girls Trip significantly altered the landscape of Hollywood, much like Bridesmaids did in 2011. This film spotlighted Black women and their culture with a fervor reminiscent of the Black cinema renaissance experienced during the 1990s and 2000s. I was thrilled to witness Black women portrayed as they truly are – fun, imperfect, and unapologetic, free from societal expectations and norms. The four lead characters depicted the trials of real-life friendships as they navigate through maturity and divergent paths. It was refreshing to see mature women enjoy wild escapades that are typically associated with their male counterparts.

Following the huge success of the comedy, discussions for a highly anticipated sequel started immediately. Now, it’s official! It appears that the entire cast, including standout performer Tiffany Haddish, will be back. Producer Will Packer even confirmed the sequel is moving forward with The Hollywood Reporter. Therefore, get ready for more outrageous antics and heartwarming friendship scenes when the second installment (currently without a production or release date) eventually hits the screens.

To enjoy more films similar to “Girls Trip,” explore top-rated movies centered around female friendships, available on various streaming platforms and other media sources.

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2024-07-31 12:37