“Nappily Ever After” is one of Netflix’s most recent additions and is based on the book of the same name by Trisha R. Thomas. The film follows a young successful black woman named Violet who is living what seems like a fairy tale life. In reality, her seemingly fairy tale life requires forced perfection in every aspect, including her hair. She spends most of her time making sure that her hair is absolutely flawless. When everything comes crashing down in her life, Violet realizes that her hair has become a symbol of her not living for herself but for everyone around her. Here are five reasons that show how “Nappily Ever After” has empowered us all.
1. It’s a made by women for women film
If you have already seen the film, then you’ll already know about some of these empowering moments in Violet’s life. Behind the scenes, a predominantly female crew was in charge of making this film as noteworthy as it is today. The director of “Nappily Ever After,” Haifa Al Mansour, has even made some empowering steps herself by becoming Saudi Arabia’s first female filmmaker.
2. Escape your comfort zone
It’s okay to be comfortable in your skin, but sometimes it’s better to explore the unknown. Violet was so busy projecting an artificial version of herself to the world that she barely even knows who she is anymore. Never be afraid to take life by the reins, take some risks and discover who you really are.
3. Ladies, you don’t always need a man
There does not have to be a constant search for the Mr. Right in your life. Having a moment to be single gives you time to go soul searching and do more of what makes you happy. Your life can still be complete with or without a man.
4. Don’t allow people to put you in a box
Throughout the film, Violet’s mother repeatedly tells her that a woman of color can’t be taken seriously when wearing her natural hair in a society that is dominated by white beauty standards. Violet begins to embody her mother’s viewpoint by gliding through the world with false confidence and straightened hair in order to be successful. It is through this exact viewpoint that Violet realizes that you don’t have to look a certain way in order to achieve true happiness and be successful in life.
5. Embrace natural beauty
This film gives a look into the world of black women and all of the challenges that they endure with wearing their natural hair. Just like Violet, women of color have often been criticized for wearing their natural hair because it doesn’t live up to society’s beauty standards. This film teaches us that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and even hair textures. It is time to start loving yourself for who you are and not for who society wants you to be.