#TheBlackWatch: ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ Sparks…
Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson are incomes their flowers for If I Go Will They Miss Me, and BOSSIP and Cassius’ The Black Watch is digging into the dazzling performances, troublesome household dynamics, and deeply personal themes driving the indie drama.
Source: Matt Winkelmeyer/VF25 / Getty
This week, BOSSIP Managing Editor Dani Canada is joined by producer Serita Wesley, actor Jeremie Rivers, and producer Carlton Jordan to unpack the movie’s exploration of Black fatherhood, generational trauma, identification, and the need to escape troublesome circumstances.
The 2026 impartial movie, now obtainable on streaming, follows a 12-year-old boy named Little Ant growing up in the Nickerson Gardens housing initiatives in Watts, California. As he navigates his environment and a fractured relationship with his father, the younger protagonist turns to Greek mythology to make sense of the world around him.
The dialog begins with Wesley, Rivers, and Jordan reflecting on the movie’s emotional influence, notably the efficiency of Bodhi Jordan Dell portraying Little Ant.
“I felt like the family dynamic, I mean, I think we’ve seen some of this before, but it was just done in such an artsy way,” said Serita. “It was just very beautiful.”
Source: The Black Watch / iOne Digital
The dialogue also highlights the movie’s use of mythology to explore a younger Black boy’s experiences.
“The Greek mythology tie is a fresh touch, especially in the Black community,” said Jeremie.
Danielle Brooks & J. Alphonse Nicholson Earn Their Flowers
While the movie’s storytelling and cinematography generate loads of dialog, the group reserves some of their strongest reward for Brooks and Nicholson, who painting Little Ant’s mother and father.
Source: Cindy Ord/VF25 / Getty
For Dani, seeing the 2 performers share the screen was a spotlight.
“They, to me, were a big part of why I thought this movie was just one to watch,” Dani says. “It was amazing. I just want to make sure we give them their flowers.”
Source: The Black Watch / iOne Digital
Jordan also praises Brooks’ efficiency, notably the refined decisions she makes while portraying a mom trying to defend her household.
“This is like one of my favorite performances of hers,” says Carlton. “You could tell the internal turmoil that she was going through and seeing her try to hold it all together for the love of her man and her child or her children.”
The dialog takes a playful flip when the group praises Danielle Brooks’ means to ship emotionally charged performances a la Viola Davis in Fences.
“One thing Danielle Brooks is going to do, though, is cry,” says Carlton.
“Just without the snot,” quips Dani.
Source: The Black Watch / iOne Digital
Serita agrees with Carlton’s evaluation of Brooks’ appearing decisions, recalling a notably relatable scene involving the actress’ character and her mom.
Dani also praises Nicholson’s vary past his breakout position as Lil Murda on Starz’s P-Valley, while the group discusses his work in other initiatives, including Lanterns.
Is ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ the Next ‘Moonlight’?
The dialog turns to comparisons between If I Go Will They Miss Me and Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning Moonlight, with the group figuring out similarities in the movies’ visible kinds, coming-of-age narratives and portrayals of younger Black boys looking out for their identities.
Dani factors to the movie’s use of blue lighting, notably during a scene that includes Brooks and Nicholson.
“Aesthetically, I definitely see that,” she says, asking whether or not the similarities prolong past the cinematography.
The company also talk about the movies’ pacing, performances and visible storytelling, noting how both heart younger Black protagonists trying to perceive themselves while navigating difficult relationships and environments.
Dani attracts a parallel between Moonlight protagonist Chiron and Little Ant, noting that both characters are attempting to decide who they’re and where they belong.
“I feel like there’s a lot of similarities there to Chiron and Little Ant,” Dani says. “They’re both trying to find themselves, trying to figure out who they are.”
Still, Rivers, Wesley and Jordan acknowledge that If I Go Will They Miss Me establishes its own identification through its incorporation of Greek mythology and layered symbolism.
Black Fatherhood, Brotherhood & The Meaning Behind The Metaphors
The panel also examines the movie’s depiction of Black fatherhood, notably Little Ant’s longing for a relationship with a father he idolizes despite their strained connection.
Source: The Black Watch / iOne Digital
During the dialog, the company talk about how the boy sees his father virtually as a god, while his mom works to defend him from some of the realities of his father’s habits.
The group also highlights a scene in which Nicholson’s character is confronted by a male pal about his tasks as a father.
“Brotherhood, like holding your friends and your peers accountable for how they are raising their kid and treating that girl,” says Carlton. “I thought that was a great add.”
The group also explore the movie’s recurring imagery of airplanes and flight, offering different interpretations of what the symbolism represents.
“I thought it was a horrible film for a moment,” admitted Dani.
The episode also examines the real-world inspiration behind the airplane metaphors involving an plane dumping fuel over a Southern California neighborhood.
Dani also discusses 2020 Delta Air Lines incident and a reported $16.7 million settlement, expressing disbelief over the quantity that could be distributed among affected residents.
Lil Murda Or Taystee? The Panel Puts Its TV Knowledge To The Test
After exploring the movie’s heavier themes, Dani lightens the temper with a trivia recreation celebrating Brooks and Nicholson’s tv careers.
She challenges Wesley, Rivers and Jordan to determine whether or not varied storylines belong to Lil Murda from P-Valley or Taystee from Orange Is the New Black.
Watch the latest episode of The Black Watch below.
If I Go, Will They Miss Me? Is a Powerful Story About Black Fatherhood | The Black Watch Ep. 30
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The post #TheBlackWatch: ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ Sparks Soul-Stirring Discussion About Black Fatherhood, Generational Trauma & ‘Moonlight’ Comparisons appeared first on GWN.
