This film is currently unavailable
Something New
A high-flying black professional finally finds the man of her dreams, only for her family to disapprove because he’s a white guy.
Director: Sanaa Hamri
Overview
Kenya McQueen (Sana Lathan) is a highly successful professional with no time for romance, but who’s keenly aware the clock is ticking. When she does meet a man who bowls her over, landscape gardener Brian (Simon Baker), there’s only one problem – he’s a white guy, which arouses the disapproval of her entire family and friends.
Being one of the few romantic comedies to tackle inter-racial relationships, Something New received warm acclaim from some of America’s top critics including Manohla Dargis and Roger Ebert (who declared himself “unexpectedly moved”), despite never really puncturing public consciousness in the UK. More’s the shame as, if it may not be as innovative as its title suggests, there’s much to admire in this pleasingly effective romantic comedy. With sparkling performances from Lathan and Baker (the Australian actor best known for Land of the Dead, playing a Brit here), Something New is also heightened by a smooth score from onetime Prince cohorts Wendy and Lisa.
Related
20 Feet from Stardom 20 Feet from Stardom
Documentary 2013 87 mins Director: Morgan Neville
This moving documentary shines a spotlight on the backing singers behind some of the great musical hits of the 21st century.
All Night Long All Night Long
Drama 1962 91 mins Director: Basil Dearden
Othello is transposed to the 1960s Soho jazz scene as a malevolent drummer sows mistrust between husband-and-wife jazz luminaries.
Attack the Block Attack the Block
Crime 2011 88 mins Director: Joe Cornish
Aliens wage war on a tower block after one of their number is bludgeoned by a street gang in this witty, action-packed feature debut by Joe Cornish.
Amazing Grace Amazing Grace
Documentary 2019 89 mins Director: Alan Elliott and Sydney Pollack
Aretha Franklin, at the height of her powers, returns to the music which nurtured her prodigious talent.
The Australian Dream The Australian Dream
Documentary 2019 105 mins Director: Daniel Gordon
A thought-provoking documentary about the Australian Rules football star Adam Goodes that raises crucial questions about casual racism.
Baby Done Baby Done
Comedy 2020 91 mins Director: Curtis Vowell
When couple Tim and Zoe find out they're expecting, their approaches couldn't be more different. Tim runs towards fatherhood with joy, while Zoe is more hesitant, this heartfelt comedy takes their relationship to uncharted territory.
High Ground High Ground
Action and Adventure 2019 105 mins Director: Stephen Maxwell Johnson
A young Indigenous man teams up with a policeman to track down a warrior outlaw in this piercing exploration of justice and morality within the Australian settlement.
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus
Documentary 2023 103 mins Director: Neo Sora
This moving tribute to the late composer and musician speaks volumes about his enormous talent, pioneering work and dedication to his craft.
Our Mothers Our Mothers
Drama 2019 77 mins Director: César Díaz
As Guatemala confronts its violent past, a forensic anthropologist is tasked with identifying the dead, in this affecting Cannes prize-winning drama.
Red Herring Red Herring
Documentary 2023 94 mins Director: Kitson Vincent
Following his terminal diagnosis, young filmmaker Kit Vincent sets out to document an intimate and darkly humorous journey in this BIFA nominated documentary.
Robot Dreams Robot Dreams
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 103 mins Director: Pablo Berger
Spanish director Pablo Berger delivers a rich and emotionally engaging dialogue-free animation about friendship, set in a bustling 1980s New York City.
Stephen Stephen
Drama-documentary 2023 78 mins Director: Melanie Manchot
Artist Melanie Manchot’s debut feature is a visually striking film-within-a-film, exploring mental health and addiction.
Red Island Red Island
Drama 2023 117 mins Director: Robin Campillo
French writer-director Robin Campillo offers a searching exploration of memory and politics, in this boldly conceived story of boyhood in 1970s Madagascar.