Passing Strange (2009)

If Spike Lee hadn’t directed this filmed version of Stew’s semi-autobiographical musical, I would have never come across it and that would have been a shame. It explores a young middle-class Black American’s artistic journey from early discoveries at home to further travels through late 1980s Europe, along the way touching on themes of art, growth, love, expectations, and looking back. The music is excellent. The acting, especially Daniel Breaker in the lead, is incredible. I dig how most of the actors take on multiple roles, emphasizing the continuity through various stages of life. I liked Lee’s stage filming better in American Utopia, but this still provides a great up close view into the production.