Director Barry Jenkins teased the first trailer for his new film If Beale Street Could Talk based on the novel by author James Baldwin. Today, August 2 marks Baldwin’s birthday and Jenkins paid tribute with sharing the first look. Kiki Layne, Stephan James, Teyonah Parris, Regina King and Colman Domingo star in the adaptation that Jenkins wrote and directed.
The footage is simply captivating featuring Baldwin’s voiceover narration. If Beale Street Could Talk is the first time Baldwin’s work has been adapted into the English language and from this clip, it looks incredible. Tish is 19-years-old and in love with Fonny, the couple get engaged and Tish becomes pregnant, but Fonny is falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison. Tish races against the clock to free Fonny from prison before their child is born.
The book and film are a celebration of love as a young couple battle to fight injustice. If Beale Street Could Talk will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and will be released by Annapurna Pictures.
Watch the exquisite trailer below: