Before writing this review, I wanted to research what John Chu said about his choices in directing this film, to be careful not to project my visceral reactions from the film onto him or make assumptions about what he did or did not consider as repercussions to his casting and story adaptation decisions.

Shows like “From Scratch” and reality TV series like “To Rome for Love” told us Italian men provide the love, protection, and self-worth we’re missing everywhere else. Yet during my month in Italy, traveling north to south, I didn’t find one Lino, Enzo, or Riccardo with a romantic bone in their body.

The script shows what truly is #blackgirlmagic. And that’s finding a way to be strong, vulnerable, and strategic in a world that conspires against you.

Her EGOT status reminds me of what I need to reach the highest peak of my professional journey.