How does Master use black horror to tackle colorism and racial passing?

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Master Utilises Black Horror Tropes to Examine Colourism and Racial Passing

The film Master, released on Amazon Prime on March 18, employs elements of Black Horror to explore themes of colourism and racial passing. Directed and written by Mariama Diallo in her debut, the movie draws parallels with films such as Candyman, The Shining, and Get Out to create a psychological narrative. The story is set within the fictional, prestigious Ancaster College, an Ivy League institution, and centres on two main characters: Jasmine, a new freshman, and Gail Bishop, the university's first Black "master" of a college house. A local legend about Margaret Millett, who was hanged for witchcraft and is rumoured to claim a freshman annually on the anniversary of her death, provides a supernatural framework for these thematic explorations.
Setting and Supernatural Legend

Master is situated within the hallowed halls of Ancaster College, a fictional Ivy League establishment that aspires to the prestige of institutions like Harvard. This elite academic environment serves as the backdrop for the film's exploration of complex social issues. The narrative is further steeped in a local legend concerning Margaret Millett, a figure from the past who was executed for witchcraft. This legend posits that Millett claims the life of one freshman each year on the anniversary of her death, a recurring event that adds a layer of dread and foreshadowing to the characters' experiences.
Dual Protagonists Navigating Academia

The film's narrative follows two key figures as they navigate the challenging environment of Ancaster College. Jasmine, portrayed by Zoe Renee, is a freshman experiencing her initial immersion into the institution. Concurrently, Gail Bishop, played by Regina Hall, holds the significant position of the university's first Black "master" of a constituent house. Their distinct experiences and perspectives within the same academic setting are central to the film's unfolding commentary.
Interrogation of Social Issues Through Horror

Master transcends a simple horror narrative by delving into nuanced social commentary. The film is noted for its interrogation of issues such as colourism and racial passing, weaving these themes into its psychological framework. By combining the supernatural elements of the Margaret Millett legend with the realities of academic life, Diallo crafts a story that prompts audiences to consider deeper implications. The effectiveness of this approach is particularly highlighted in the film's final act, which is described as a triumph of unpacking difficult subjects with apparent ease.

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How does Master use black horror to tackle colorism and racial passing?

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