Black Cake is a provocative series that premiered on Hulu, striving to narrate a complex narrative surrounding black identity. Adapted from the New York Times bestseller by Charmaine Wilkerson, it captivates the audience with a tale of a young woman navigating through life amidst racial hostility. With an ensemble cast led by Mia Isaac, the show attempts to depict the multifaceted experiences of the protagonist. However, not all reviews paint a rosy picture of this adaptation. Keep reading along as we journey through Black Cake Hulu reviews.
Narrative and Plot
Black Cake presents a layered narrative where Covey, the protagonist, transitions from a carefree life to facing adversities head-on, triggered by external circumstances. As she morphs into Eleanor Bennett later in life, she leaves behind a digital heritage for her estranged children, unfolding her life’s intricacies. The series ventures through different timelines, contrasting the past’s richness with the less engaging present-day scenes. While the flashback sequences are well-received, the present-day narrative seems to lack the emotional and situational gravity present in the past, making the series feel uneven at times. Moreover, you can also avail Hulu free trial to explore through the platform along with the option to cancel Hulu subscription whenever you want. Checkout best pricing plans for Hulu today and enjoy Black Cake and other best shows on the platform.
Black Cake trailer
On October 2, 2023, Hulu released the trailer for Black Cake, providing a tantalizing preview of the intense family drama. The trailer delves into the complex relationship between Eleanor’s children, Benny Bennett and Byron Bennett, who convene for the reading of their mother’s will. To their astonishment, a flash drive divulges her concealed past, unveiling her true identity as Covey. Through a series of flashbacks, Covey’s coerced marriage at the age of 16 and her daring escape following a significant incident are vividly portrayed, setting the stage for her quest for freedom.
Who is featured in Black Cake?
Here’s the cast and their respective characters, who are featured in Black Cake series:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Adrienne Warren | Benny Bennett |
| Ashley Thomas | Byron Bennett |
| Mia Isaac | Covey |
| Chipo Chung | Eleanor |
| Faith Alabi | Pearl Thomas |
| Ahmed Elhaj | Gibbs Grant |
| Lashay Anderson | Bunny Pringle |
| Rupert Evans | Unspecified Role |
| Cara Horgan | Unspecified Role |
| Rebecca Calder | Unspecified Role |
| Anthony J. Abraham | Unspecified Role |
Review from Ready Steady Cut
The review from Ready Steady Cut acknowledges the well-constructed nature of Black Cake but criticizes it for being long-winded. The protagonist’s journey, while embedded with potent themes, is said to be marred by a slow pace that might lose the audience’s attention. The review praises Mia Isaac’s performance and appreciates the narrative’s exploration of black identity through the protagonist’s numerous life alterations. However, it is to note out that the series might not have lived up to the original book’s essence or the expectations set by it. The series gains appreciation for its thematic depth, exploring racial, cultural, and familial undertones, but is also got critical acclaim for perhaps being self-indulgent in its narrative approach.
Check this out: Black Cake Series Premier on Hulu Made Fans Excited!
Review from Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han praises Black Cake, noting its broadly palatable characters, well-meaning ideas, and meticulously curated settings and costumes. The miniseries, based on Charmaine Wilkerson’s novel, revolves around two pivotal deaths spanning 1960s Jamaica and present-day California, as teen bride Covey, played by Mia Isaac, escapes her unwanted groom Little Man (Anthony Mark Barrow) in Jamaica. In California, Covey, now known as Eleanor (Chipo Chung), leaves her adult children, Byron (Ashley Thompson) and Benny (Adrienne Warren), a trove of voice recordings to uncover their family’s true history.
Review from Variety
Variety’s Aramide Tinubu lauds Black Cake as a beautiful and emotionally impactful mystery drama led by rising star Mia Isaac. The show weaves a tale of hidden secrets and opens in the late 1960s as Covey, portrayed by Isaac, flees toward the Caribbean Sea in her bridal gown. In the present day, Eleanor Bennett, played by Chipo Chung, contemplates the ocean before walking into it. The series shines when exploring the past, with Mia Isaac’s captivating performance as Covey, whose transformation from a bold teen to an isolated young woman keeps the audience engaged.
Adaptation Worthiness
The adaptation’s worthiness is a point of contention as per the review. The series, while narrating a compelling story, often catches up in lengthy episodes that sometimes fail to maintain the audience’s engagement. The thematic repetition and the stretch in runtime are factors contributing to a less captivating viewing experience. Despite these criticisms, the series gained acknowledgement for its well-structured narrative and is of good interest to audiences who would resonate more with the racial and cultural themes explored in the series.
Bottom line!
Black Cake embarks on a bold narrative journey, attempting to mirror the racial and cultural complexities through its protagonist’s life. While it has its moments of brilliance, especially through Mia Isaac’s compelling performance, the series also faces criticism for its narrative pacing and the inability to keep the audience hooked throughout. The adaptation’s ability to live up to the original literary work’s acclaim remains debatable among reviewers. Nonetheless, Black Cake Hulu reviews stand as a noteworthy attempt to delve into themes of the series and familial bonds in it, offering a layered viewing experience for those who find resonance with its narrative.
