The Watermelon Woman – Criterion Collection release July, 2023.

Physical media collectors are a passionate bunch, and there is no boutique physical media label that is held in higher regard than the Criterion Collection. Each month collectors wait eagerly for the announcement of the newest upcoming releases. This month we were treated to The Watermelon Woman. A wholly unique and important piece that perfectly acts as a time capsule of the 90’s independent cinema boom.

The Plot

Cheryl, whom works at a video store while pursuing a career as a filmmaker, sets out to discover the identity of a black actress from 1930’s cinema credited only as The Watermelon Woman. As Cheryl delves into the life of this forgotten actress she struggles to navigate the hurdles of her own personal life as a young African-American gay woman.

Also Read: Oppenheimer Review – Nolan’s Magnum Opus

The Critique

The Watermelon Woman was made on a meager budget of $300,000. Those limited funds are abundantly visible throughout the film. The acting is, more often than not, subpar, teetering on atrocious in a few scenes. Yet, these “flaws” are essential to the film’s charm and highlight the drive and ferocity of its filmmaker, Cheryl Dunye. Dunye had been honing her craft with short and experimental film’s throughout the 90’s; however, The Watermelon Woman marked her feature-narrative debut.

The film, which acts as somewhat of an auto-biography for Dunye, is deeply personal through its simplicity. In many ways, it feels reminiscent to Kevin Smith’s debut Clerks. Released only two-years apart, they each largely take place in video stores, rely heavily dialogue and are each passion projects produced on shoe-string budgets.

I had never seen The Watermelon Woman prior to this viewing. Admittedly, the first ten minutes failed to capture or hold my attention. However, as Cheryl’s journey of discovery began, I found myself engrossed in her journey. In many ways, it’s a film ahead of its time. The subject matter and depictions of lesbian romance and sex were things that hadn’t been deeply explored in film in the 90’s. I went into this film blind, with no prior knowledge to its plot or history, and I was pleased with my experience.

The Watermelon Woman Special Features

Criterion Collection’s release boasts a strong variety of special feature, including interviews and discussions with writer, director and star Cheryl Dunye. It’s always great when the Criterion Collection releases a film from a filmmaker whom is still living, allowing us to hear the insight and fresh perspective from the filmmaker themselves. But my favorite of the special features is the collection of six early years short-films. As significant of an achievement as her debut was, it’s these short-films that allow us to see her growth and vision as a filmmaker learning and growing her craft.

Would I recommend this purchase: Absolutely

Is it Worth a blind buy: Yes

8/10

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