What “The Harder They Fall” Reiterates About The Fate of Dark-Skinned Black Actresses

Netflix’s latest original stunner, The Harder They Fall starring a lightning rod of star power, including Idris Elba, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield, heartthrob Jonathan Majors, under the capable direction of Jeymes Samuels, absolutely did not disappoint in fulfilling the requirements for a certified hit.

This stylized take on the classic Western movies featuring a leading cast of Black talents playing reimagined historical figures frolicking against the backdrop of a killer soundtrack that serves as an homage to Samuels’ musical background, completely absorbed my attention for the more than two hours of delightful entertainment.

As we enjoy this extended season of mandated inclusion established by an industry that would’ve rejected the premise of an all-Black cast starring in an exclusively white movie genre, we have to recognize the painful truth of how colorism is still permitted to flourish unchecked.

It’s no secret that darker-skinned people have a particularly more challenging time avoiding the prejudices that stem from the hateful ideology of white supremacy, a deadly disease poisoning the world with untruths that wrongfully categorizes Blackness as inferior to the supremeness of white power.