Movies

‘Washington Black’ amplifies the action and adventure from the prizewinning novel

BBG News

Canadian author Esi Edugyan’s award-winning novel “Washington Black,” which explores themes of race, love, friendship, and identity in the early 19th century, has been adapted into a Hulu miniseries by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Kimberly Ann Harrison. While this adaptation feels more like a mini-series than a novel, it heightens the action, drama, and romance; expands minor characters; reinforces important messages about prejudice, inequality, and injustice; and incorporates classic Hollywood musical elements. Though these changes aren’t necessarily negative for the miniseries, it lacks the nuance that was present in the original book.

The narrative of this work is presented from the perspective of the author, unfolding linearly. In contrast, the television series, featuring additional characters and interwoven plots, jumps between 1830 and 1837. During these timeframes, our protagonist, George Washington Black, or Wash, is an enslaved boy of 11 on a Barbados plantation in 1830, but by 1837, he has gained his freedom and resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he creates captivating artwork and designs an innovative airship. For those American viewers curious about the location, it is explained that Halifax serves as the final destination on the Underground Railroad.

In this revised narrative, the dual timeline structure offers an engaging experience. Instead of watching young Wash (Eddie Karanja) mature into older Wash (Ernest Kingsley Jr.), we’re introduced right away to Tanna Goff (Iola Evans), who has come from London with her father (Rupert Graves) in search of a new beginning, as they fled a scandal back in Britain. However, Tanna is unaware that her father intends to arrange her marriage to a young Canadian influential figure (Edward Bluemel), believing it’s for her safety. This fresh yet familiar storyline presents an exciting twist.

Tanna and Wash have an unexpected encounter at the dock where he works, and due to her complexion, he initially assumes she’s a servant; however, it quickly becomes apparent that she is a person of color, specifically Melanesian. In the ensuing days, Wash will find ways to cross paths with Tanna, eventually developing a friendship with her. Both share a desire for freedom and self-expression, as Tana puts it, “Can’t we imagine a different world?” Her father, who is a marine biologist, has penned a book that Wash, an avid enthusiast of the subject, appreciates. It may turn out that Wash’s talent for depicting life accurately on paper could be beneficial to Tanna’s father.

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1. Eddie Karanja acts as the younger version of character Wash in the show (as portrayed by James Van Evers for Disney).

2. In addition to his producing role, Sterling K. Brown is part of the cast as well (captured by Chris Reardon for Disney).

In 1830, life was tough for young Wash under the strict rule of plantation owner Erasmus Wilde (Julian Rhind-Tutt), a situation softened only by his kind protector Big Kit (Shaunette Renée Wilson). Interestingly, the abolition of slavery across the British Empire was imminent. One day, Erasmus’ brother Christopher (Tom Ellis), known as Titch, arrived with a massive steam-powered tractor, serving more as a symbol of his eccentric inventor persona akin to Caractacus Pott. This connection between Titch and Wash, who became his assistant, was pivotal. Titch, having fled London, intended to use a hilltop on an island for the launch of his “cloud cutter,” a flying machine that wouldn’t materialize in reality for quite some time but appeared cool. (Steampunk would be the fitting term.)

In this reimagining, I find myself soaring high above the island with my loyal companion, Titch, aboard his magnificent balloon. As we ascend, a troubling situation unfolds below, where I stand falsely accused of a crime I didn’t commit – murder. Determined to clear my name and expose the truth, Titch whisks us away on an exhilarating adventure.

As our balloon collides with a vessel adrift at sea, we discover it’s no ordinary ship – it’s laden with pirates who have swiped a revolutionary new craft, powered by a dynamo that looks as heavy as lead. This diverse crew, hailing from various lands and backgrounds, reflects the spirit of self-rule and inclusivity.

As the pirates stage a peaceful mutiny, a woman rises to command – a testament to their progressive society. Though they initially imprison Titch, they take a liking to me, keeping him locked away while I remain among them. Despite being pirates, these individuals exhibit a level of decency and camaraderie that sets them apart.

In a straightforward manner, let me rephrase the given text: Titch, who openly advocates against slavery, refuses to consume the sugar produced by plantations, yet one might question his sincerity or motives – perhaps he’s attempting to alleviate 19th-century white liberal guilt while still using Wash for his own purposes? Regardless, I believe him to be genuine, though a product of his time. The creators introduce a brief dialogue between Titch and historical figure Nat Turner (portrayed by Jamie Hector), where they clash over Turner’s militaristic approach versus Titch’s less convincing “rationality, logic, and appealing to people’s better selves.” This debate is momentarily paused when Turner threatens Titch with a knife; Wash steps in to protect him on several occasions. Additionally, this exchange brings a touch of American history into the Canadian narrative.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled about Sterling K. Brown’s role as Medwin – an executive producer turned character who, in this captivating series, acts as a de facto leader within the Black community, stepping up whenever there’s a crisis to save the day. It’s not just the bounty hunters from the South that Billy Boyd, once the Hobbit, portrays with chilling brilliance as Willard, we need to watch out for. The show sets Wash, a prodigious artist and scientist, apart as “a boy courageous enough to reshape the world.

The story of this book travels around the world, starting in Barbados, then moving on to Virginia, Nova Scotia, the Arctic, London, Morocco, and more. Alongside hot-air balloons, it also introduces the concept of public aquariums. Although only four episodes of the show have been released for critique so far, images suggest that destinations like snowy lands and deserts are definitely included (it’s uncertain about the aquarium), and I can hardly wait to witness how these 19th-century global escapades will be portrayed. Throughout the story, Kingsley and Evans make excellent companions in their developing romance.

Edugyan concludes her book with an enigmatic tone, a query that may not provide a clear-cut solution for the movie makers. However, only time will tell.

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2025-07-22 23:31

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