Renowned director Clement Virgo approaches his latest film, “Steal Away,” with a mix of nerves and anticipation as it hits theaters this Friday. Virgo, known for his work on acclaimed series like “The Wire” and “The Book of Negroes,” expresses a sense of uncertainty about how his new project will be received by a broader audience.
Collaborating with his wife, author Tamara Faith Berger, Virgo takes on his most ambitious film to date, adapting a fictionalized tale of a young girl’s escape to Canada via the Underground Railroad. Departing from the historical setting of “Steal Away Home,” this futuristic retelling reimagines America’s past as a captivating fairytale.
The film, devoid of direct portrayals of enslaved individuals to avoid perpetuating bleak depictions of Black futures, revolves around two central characters, Cécile and Fanny. As Cécile, an African traveler, encounters Fanny and her family in a futuristic Belgium reminiscent of the Antebellum South, tensions rise fueled by Fanny’s fixation on Cécile and hidden supernatural elements within the family’s estate.
Exploring themes of coming-of-age, psychosexual thriller, horror, and Afrofuturism, “Steal Away” weaves a complex narrative that challenges viewers to decipher its kaleidoscopic layers. Afrofuturism plays a significant role in the film, showcasing modernized Congolese-inspired costumes and allusions to a potent but enigmatic Black-led society.
Virgo intentionally blurs temporal boundaries and power dynamics in his fictional world to draw parallels between historical oppressions and contemporary societal issues. He emphasizes the cyclical nature of history, echoing Mark Twain’s notion that history doesn’t repeat but rhymes.
“Steal Away” symbolizes a shift in Virgo’s perspective, questioning the notion of lasting progress amid societal pushbacks, particularly regarding immigration. The film’s intricate narrative may pose challenges to audiences accustomed to more straightforward storytelling, yet Virgo remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and progress in shaping a brighter future.
