Enter “Entergalactic”, Netflix’s new movie created by actor and musician Scott Mescudi, more popularly known as Kid Cudi. This 92-minute-long feature serves as a visual companion to his album of the same name.
And despite the story of finding love in a big city being predictable at times, “Entergalactic” is an absolute visual and auditory treat, even to those who do not know Kid Cudi’s music or might be ambivalent about it.
Set in modern-day New York, the film tells of Jabari (voiced by Mescudi) and Meadow (Jessica Williams), who are trying to make it in their respective artistic pursuits. He’s a graffiti artist who has been offered a deal with a famous comic-book company; she’s a talented photographer with an upcoming exhibition at a museum.
As fate would have it, Jabari moves in next door to Meadow. They meet for the first time and, of course, it’s love at first sight.
However, both of them hesitate to act on their feelings, given that their respective careers are only just starting to take off.
Nevertheless, they end up getting together, and it’s all sugar, spice, and everything nice from thereon. Still, with 30 minutes remaining of the film, audiences can anticipate drama, especially since Jabari’s ex, Carmen (Laura Harrier), was briefly introduced at the very beginning.
True enough – Carmen sends a suggestive image to Jabari, which Meadow sees. Pain, hurt and heartbreak ensue. Will the couple’s relationship survive? (All signs point to “yes”.)
Earnestness and anti-capitalism
Even though “Entergalactic” is an animation, the characters effectively convey their emotions with an earnestness that resonates with the audience without coming across as saccharine.
The visuals – a mix of psychedelic colours not unlike imagery of galaxies – are stunning, while the soundtrack by Kid Cudi is a storytelling device in itself, the lyrics, rhythm and vibe perfectly fitting every scene.
The film unapologetically features a majority Black cast. When Meadow’s best friend asks why she doesn’t date white guys, Meadow responds with a loaded, one-word reply: “Oppression.”
There are anti-capitalist messages in abundance: as a graffiti artist, Jabari tries to “reclaim” the streets and city with his art and, in one scene, paints over a huge billboard featuring an advertisement for the world’s largest fast-food chain.
While most people have their first dates in fancy restaurants, Jabari and Meadow have theirs in a nondescript, unpretentious vegan establishment – a rebuff to the overpriced businesses in the city taking advantage of the growing vegan population.
And instead of getting a car and being saddled with debt – not to mention the carbon footprint – Jabari rides a bicycle as it offers him freedom and a sense of control. In fact, apart from being with Meadow, he’s clearly the happiest when he’s on two wheels.
All in all, “Entergalactic” is an entertaining effort that is full of heart, even if it is statistically improbable that your next-door neighbour will end up being the love of your life.
It might not be perfect, but the film does drive home a sweet(?) message: “Love is a [unprintable expletive] – it’ll find and hurt us all, but damn it, it’s the only thing that’ll save us all.” Touché.
‘Entergalactic’ can be streamed on Netflix.