The movie No Shade is a romantic drama directed by Clare Anyiam-Osigwe and released in 2018. Set in London, the film tells the story of a young woman named Jade (Adeuswa Oni) who struggles to find love and acceptance in a society where skin color and social status still play a major role. Jade works as a makeup artist and dreams of becoming a successful fashion designer. She is in a long-term relationship with a white man named David (Kadeem Pearse), but their relationship is strained by their cultural differences and conflicting values. While David is well-educated and comes from a privileged background, Jade is a self-made woman who has worked hard to achieve her goals.
At a gallery opening, Jade meets a black man named Eddie (Clare Anyiam-Osigwe) who works as a graphic designer. They strike up a conversation and she is immediately drawn to his confidence, charisma, and charm. Eddie is intrigued by Jade as well, and they exchange numbers.
Over the next few weeks, Jade's relationship with David grows increasingly tense as she becomes more and more attracted to Eddie. She begins to question her own motives, wondering whether she is genuinely in love with David or simply trying to conform to societal expectations.
As Jade navigates her romantic entanglements, she also has to deal with a number of other challenges. She faces discrimination and microaggressions at work, where her white colleagues often assume that she is uneducated and unskilled. She also struggles to connect with her family, who are judgmental and unsupportive of her career ambitions.
Despite these obstacles, Jade remains determined to pursue her dreams and find happiness on her own terms. No Shade is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of race, class, and gender in contemporary society. It shines a spotlight on the ways in which individuals are judged and marginalized based on factors that are outside of their control, and it encourages viewers to question their own assumptions and biases.
The performances in No Shade are excellent across the board, with Adesuwa Oni delivering a particularly nuanced and compelling portrayal of Jade. She conveys the character's vulnerability and strength with equal conviction, making it easy for viewers to empathize with her struggles and root for her success. Zephryn Taitte and Shone Romulus are also impressive in their roles as Eddie and David, respectively, bringing depth and complexity to characters who might have been written as one-dimensional stereotypes in less skilled hands.
Overall, No Shade is a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of contemporary society. It is a beautifully crafted work of art that packs an emotional punch and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you are looking for a film that will challenge you intellectually or move you emotionally (or both), No Shade is well worth your time and attention.
No Shade is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
