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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
The day has arrived, and it’s more than one would expect.
The fifth episode of Insecure’s fourth season is titled “Lowkey Movin’ On;” and it is directed by Stella Meghie (Everything, Everything; Grown-ish; The Photograph) and written by Syreeta Singleton.
Some spoilers ahead for those who have not yet watched this episode or seen the series. If you haven’t done either, you should get to that now, then return to this article!
Issa Rae’s character Issa Dee puts together one hell of an event, and the series displays it so well within the allotted half-hour slot it’s given. There is so much that occurs that it’s difficult to understand what the main plot is. On one hand, Issa has heightened issues with her friend Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji). Meanwhile, she has to deal with her ex and Condola, and to make matters worse, the block party has issues of its own.
The episode has been much-anticipated since the character conceptualized this idea at a Coachella event last season, and it was worth the wait. Musical artists from SZA to Aminé to SiR to Vince Staples (as well as others) have made their appearance one way or another. Insecure has always brought its music soundtrack to the forefront, but now it’s outdone itself by bringing this aspect of the series to life and bringing more livelihood to the event. This develops Inglewood, Los Angeles — or at least, Insecure‘s version of it — to be something that California can delight itself in. As Issa says, “The neighborhood is just changing so quickly. This is a chance to support and uplift our community. Our businesses, our food, our music.”
From the comedic facet, Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) steals the show — and almost literally at one point — when she fakes a British accent for her new romantic interest of the episode.
The most important aspect, however, is the drama. The season premiere has led fans to this point, where Issa reveals she can no longer put up with whatever Molly is throwing her way. The two have differences that set them apart: Issa is trying to pull strings in order to succeed in her lifeworld, but Molly wants to separate her own romantic life from her friendship(s). Despite being seen as hard-working from a professional perspective, the irony of Issa’s sentiment about the community is that this does not apply nor involve Molly, developing both characters even further. As adults, they are growing, but they’re not giving each other a chance for support or encouragement. This also reflects on the result of the block party. A gun scare, especially in an American area such as California, can change the mood of an environment real fast.
“Lowkey Movin’ On” shows reality as we know it. It doesn’t matter whether who is present. Everyone wants to have a good time but a single misunderstanding will immediately ruin what is going on. The little things matter, but as Condola says, “It is what it is.” Lawrence Walker (Jay Ellis) is not in attendance, and this shows that not everyone close to you will be present when push comes to shove. Things will play out as they do. This episode of Insecure mixes exuberance with comedy with drama, and lowkey delivers the message: this is America, but like the title suggests, we’ve got to move on somehow.
10/10
What do you think? Have you seen this series? If not, do you plan to binge it sometime in the near future? Let us know! For more Insecure and HBO-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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