‘Jimmy’ Review: Woozily Seductive Mood Piece Wanders Europe in Pursuit of James Baldwin’s Spirit

Variety reviews 'Jimmy,' a new film directed by and starring Billy Porter as James Baldwin, the groundbreaking Black queer author and activist. The film, per Variety's review, is a seductive mood piece that wanders through Europe seeking Baldwin's spirit. Porter has previously explained his commitment to telling this story himself: 'If not me, who?' he said in a 2024 interview, adding, 'Who's going to tell it better than the Black gay man who embodies that in today's age?' The project represents Porter's ambitious directorial debut, centered on a towering figure in American letters.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton