Juhi Page
Feb 9
5 mins read
The landscape of modern cinema is shifting, but for Black queer women, the gaps in representation have often felt like canyons. While mainstream media has slowly begun to embrace diverse narratives, the stories of Black lesbian women are frequently relegated to the sidelines or are marginalized, over-sexualized, or muted. However, a new cinematic force is arriving to reclaim that space.
On February 28, 2026, the thriller Duplicity will make its highly anticipated debut at the Cinevision Corporation in Chamblee, Georgia. Directed and produced by the powerhouse duo of B. Danielle Watkins and Onyx at B.OK Productions, the film promises to be more than just a movie; it is a bold statement of identity, a masterclass in suspense, and a celebration of Black queer love.
At the heart of Duplicity is the unbreakable bond between Angel (Pandora Monrose) and her lifelong best friend Janet (Karmen Brewer). For over thirty years, the two have navigated the highs and lows of life side-by-side. When Angel finds love and gets engaged to Tripp (Angelena Hector), a partner whose devotion seems to complete her, their world appears picture perfect.
But as the film’s tagline suggests, “Two lives are better than one,” though perhaps not in the way one might expect. In the shadows of Angel’s happiness, an envious onlooker watches. What follows is a descent into a world where jealousy and betrayal lurk behind every smile, threatening to unravel a “perfect” life through a series of unexpected twists.
Writer, director, and producer B. Danielle Watkins didn’t just want to make a movie; she wanted to revolutionize how Black lesbian women are seen on screen. To do so, she looked to the masters of the craft.
“I took my time and studied Alfred Hitchcock for this film,” Watkins exclusively shares with Gaye Magazine. “I created a modern-day ‘Who Dun It?’ with faces and people who look and love like me!”
Watkins’ approach is intentional and corrective. In doing so, the team is filling a void for audiences who have long craved high-quality, genre-driven stories featuring Black queer leads.
By blending the classic cinematic tone of a suspense thriller with the lived realities of her characters, Watkins tells us her studio created an “unforgettable rollercoaster ride of friendship, love, fear, deception, and death.”
Producer Onyx Keesha echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the film’s unique blend of genres.
“Viewers can expect a suspenseful ride that blends romance, danger, and emotional truth,” Keesha shared in an exclusive statement.
For Keesha, the excitement surrounding the release stems from the necessity of the narrative. “Stories like this deserve to be seen—stories that reflect us, thrill us, and challenge what people expect from both romance and suspense,” she adds. “It’s passionate, it’s layered, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat while still leading with heart.”
The film features a stellar ensemble that brings this high-stakes drama to life. Beyond the central trio of Monrose, Brewer, and Hector, the film features legendary “Noah’s Arc” star Rodney Chester as Detective Marx, a character central to the film’s “Who Dun It?” mystery. Chester also serves as an Executive Producer on the project, further solidifying the film’s roots in community-driven, independent excellence.
Rodney Chester is a foundational figure in Black queer cinema, best known for his portrayal of Alex Kirby in the groundbreaking series Noah’s Arc. His career is deeply intertwined with the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation on television.
Chester’s role as Alex, the “mama bear” and HIV/AIDS educator of a group of Black gay men in Los Angeles, became a cultural touchstone when the show debuted in 2005. It was the first scripted series to center the lives, loves, and joys of Black gay men.
“I’m thrilled to use my platform to elevate LGBTQIA+ stories like this one, ensuring diverse voices and experiences are authentically represented on screen. By sharing these narratives, I hope to inspire empathy and spark important conversations among viewers everywhere. ” Chester tells Gaye Magazine.
“Playing Detective Marx is an incredible opportunity for me as an actor, and I truly value the chance to bring a range of complex characters to life. It’s exciting to contribute to greater visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community while entertaining and engaging audiences.
Behind the lens, Director of Photography Bradford W. Burton captures the “beautiful cinematic tone” Watkins envisioned, supported by the technical expertise of sound engineers Intellect Allison and Rashane Elston. The cast is rounded out by Sunday Sabath and William Hayes III, playing Angel’s parents, adding a layer of familial stakes to the unfolding chaos.
The premiere of Duplicity is set to be a landmark event for the Atlanta creative and queer communities. Hosted at the Cinevision Corporation on February 28, the evening offers fans a chance to engage directly with the creators and stars.
For those looking for the full experience, VIP Tickets ($45) include a VIP reception starting at 6:00 PM, a cast meet-and-greet, VIP gift bags, and preferred seating. General Admission ($25) doors open at 6:45 PM, with the film beginning promptly at 7:00 PM.
Tickets officially go on sale this Wednesday at bokproductions.co.
In a culture that often asks queer creators to tone down their identities for mainstream palettes, Duplicity stands as an unapologetic counter-narrative. It is a film that refuses to be marginalized or muted. Whether you are a fan of classic suspense, a supporter of independent Black cinema (especially queer Black cinema), or someone looking to see authentic queer representation on the big screen, Duplicity is the must-watch event of the season.
As B. Danielle Watkins puts it, this film provides “everything everyone needs in their lives”, which is a bit of love, a bit of fear, and a whole lot of truth.
Watch the Official Movie Trailer Exclusively Below:
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