Selah and the Spades takes place at Haldwell boarding and day school, it is a prestigious high school institution. In the shadows, five student run factions control the school, each faction has a different expertise. For example: one helps the student body cheat on tests and papers and another that keeps the school administration none-the-wiser to their activities. One faction is called the Spades, they handle the campus's drug activity. The Spades are run by Selah, with her right hand man Maxxie by her side.
Selah, a senior, is on the hunt for someone to take her place as the head of the Spades. Soon she meets Paloma, new to Haldwell and a photographer, she meets Selah while taking pictures of the cheerleading team. Selah and Paloma become fast friends and it seems as though Paloma might have what it takes to lead the faction. But, is Selah able to let go of her hunger for power?
Selah is strategic and distant, Lovie Simone is able to convey that with a strong performance. Her portrayal of Selah is cold, yet lively. The portrayal is intriguing and you beg to know more. A lot of actors that play a character with a cold demeanor can come off stiff, but she still manages to bring a personality to the role. Jharrel Jerome's Maxxie and Celeste O'Connor's Paloma, were also noteworthy. Creating an interesting circle to round out Selah's main crew.
The film is a bit of a slow burn, there was a lot of build up and exposition. The dialogue, on the other hand, was quick, witty, and realistic. With what feels like a mix of Gossip Girl and Euphoria, the youthful experience created in the film will make you thank yourself for being so boring in high school. Selah and the Spades is available for streaming on Amazon Prime now.
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