In its substantial heart, “Washington Black” is a simple coming-of-age story about a boy learning to navigate an adulthood filled with drawbacks.
‘Washington Black’ Review: A Journey of Discovery
At its core, “Washington Black” is a compelling coming-of-age tale about a young boy navigating the complexities of adulthood. The Hulu adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s award-winning novel occasionally veers off course, struggling with modern television’s tendency to juggle multiple timelines, often at the expense of chronology and coherence. However, the initial four episodes (out of eight) effectively nurture their core premise, providing warm, honest reassurances to its young audience while delivering an enjoyable adventure, bolstered by a talented cast and an inquisitive spirit.
Meet George Washington Black
The protagonist, George Washington Black, portrayed as an 11-year-old by Eddie Karanja, is a scientific prodigy. He possesses an innate ability to understand and repair machines. When “Wash” fixes a 19th-century battery, director Wanuri Kahiu creatively visualizes Wash’s imagination, briefly revealing the inner workings of the contraption as he perceives them.
A Mentor’s Influence
While such visual flourishes could be more frequent, “Washington Black” provides ample opportunities for young audiences to learn alongside Wash. He resides on a plantation owned by the cruel Erasmus Wilde (Julian Rhind-Tutt), but his brother Christopher “Titch” Wilde offers a stark contrast. Titch, bright-eyed and supportive, is also an inventor who quickly recognizes Wash’s brilliance. Together, they embark on the journey of building a flying machine resembling a hot-air balloon with wings.
Time and Growth
Wash’s mentorship propels him away from his origins into the vast ocean and a vibrant city. The narrative fluctuates between Young Wash and Slightly Older Wash, who is now hiding in Nova Scotia eight years later. Portrayed by Ernest Kingsley Jr., Wash continues to refine his flying machine while residing in a boarding house run by the kind-hearted Medwin Harris (Sterling K. Brown, who also serves as an executive producer). The mystery surrounding Titch’s fate looms, yet the split timelines often disrupt the narrative flow rather than enhance it.
Challenges of Storytelling
The dual narratives also truncate each segment of Wash’s journey. As a boy exploring the world, there’s less opportunity to appreciate the exotic locales he visits or the meaningful friendships he forges. At 19, this results in a rushed romance with Ms. Tanna Goff (Iola Evans), the other lead character. Tanna, a biracial woman arriving in Nova Scotia after being ostracized from England, feels the weight of her family’s struggles. Her father (Rupert Graves) believes their only escape from poverty involves marrying his white-passing daughter to a wealthy, respectable white man.
A Connection Beyond Words
However, Tanna’s dreams are dashed before she even sets foot on land. As she departs their boat from Great Britain, she locks eyes with Wash, sharing an unspoken recognition. Their initial conversation sets the stage for the familiar tension between marrying for security and marrying for love.
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Craftsmanship and Themes
Despite its lack of originality and finesse, “Washington Black” compensates with resourceful craftsmanship, strong performances, and uplifting themes. Regardless of which version of Wash we follow, the story benefits from the stunning machines, diverse costumes, and vibrant cinematography that enhance his experiences. Both Karanja and Kingsley bring an analytical perspective to Wash’s experiments and adventures, radiating excitement when a new invention succeeds and expressing fascination with anything that ignites their minds or hearts.
Lessons Learned
Showrunners Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Kimberly Ann Harrison skillfully balance the joys of youthful discovery with the challenges of adulthood. Wash learns to pursue knowledge relentlessly but also to be cautious of self-proclaimed saviors. He discovers the importance of following his heart while caring for those in need and understanding that trust must be earned, not freely given. Ultimately, he learns about the realities of being a Black man in America and why his father figures are eager for him to change the world. While not groundbreaking, the journey with Wash is one worth taking.
Grade: B-
“Washington Black” premieres on Hulu on Wednesday, July 23, with all eight episodes available at once.
