Miss Juneteenth 2020
Directed by
Channing Godfrey Peoples
Made by
Vertical Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Miss Juneteenth (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Turquoise Jones, portrayed by Nicole Beharie, is navigating the challenges of single motherhood in a quaint suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. Once the celebrated winner of the local Miss Juneteenth pageant, which offers a coveted scholarship to a historically black college, Turquoise hopes to recreate her past glory by entering her 15-year-old daughter, Kai, into the very same contest, even though Kai expresses little interest in participating.
Turquoise’s own path to success was abruptly altered when she became a mother, forcing her to abandon her college dreams after Kai’s birth and pushing her towards a series of struggle-filled jobs, including a stint as a stripper. Currently, she finds herself working at a bar while also contributing as a part-time beautician at a mortuary. There, she catches the eye of the owner, who harbors romantic intentions towards her. Despite this complexity, Turquoise’s heart remains tethered to Kai’s father, Ronnie. Even though they are officially apart, the two share a deeper connection, continuing to engage in a romantic liaison.
On the other hand, Kai is caught between her mother’s ambitions and her own dreams. As she prepares for the Miss Juneteenth pageant, her true passion for dance becomes increasingly evident. Unfortunately, her hopes are momentarily dashed when her father fails to provide the funds for a new dress, compelling her to compete in her mother’s former gown.
As the anticipated Miss Juneteenth pageant approaches, Kai surprises everyone during the talent segment. In a stunning display, she performs Maya Angelou’s empowering poem, “Phenomenal Woman”—the very same piece her mother had insisted she showcase. However, with a creative twist, Kai infuses dance into her rendition. While Turquoise beams with pride at her daughter’s bold performance, Kai ultimately does not place in the competition, forcing both mother and daughter to confront the reality of their expectations.
After the bar owner suffers a heart-related scare, he announces his decision to sell the establishment. In a moment of entrepreneurial instinct, Turquoise presents him with a counter-offer, proposing to gradually buy out the bar. Much to her delight, he accepts, ushering Turquoise into a new chapter as she embarks on her journey toward becoming a businesswoman, ultimately redefining her identity and aspirations.
Timeline
Track the key events of Miss Juneteenth (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Turquoise's Past
Turquoise Jones, a former winner of the Miss Juneteenth pageant, experiences a turning point in her life. After becoming a single mother, she is forced to leave college and take on jobs to support her daughter, Kai.
Entering Kai in the Pageant
Despite Kai's disinterest, Turquoise decides to enter her 15-year-old daughter in the Miss Juneteenth pageant. Turquoise sees this as an opportunity for Kai to secure a scholarship and follow in her mother's footsteps.
Turquoise's Career Challenges
Turquoise struggles to provide for her family, juggling multiple jobs as a bar employee and a beautician at a mortuary. Her past experiences as a stripper weigh heavily on her, but she remains determined to create a better life for Kai.
Complicated Relationships
Despite being officially separated, Turquoise maintains a romantic relationship with Kai's father, Ronnie. Their union is fraught with challenges, but the connection remains strong as they share intimate moments.
Kai's Ambition
Kai struggles with her preparations for the Miss Juneteenth pageant, expressing a desire to pursue her passion for dance instead. The pressure from Turquoise for her to compete creates tension between them.
Financial Setback
When Ronnie fails to provide the money needed for Kai's pageant dress, Kai is left with no choice but to wear her mother's old gown. This situation heightens Kai's resentment towards the pageant and her mother's ambitions.
The Pageant Begins
The Miss Juneteenth pageant takes place, filling the air with excitement and hopes for the contestants. Turquoise watches anxiously, hoping her daughter will shine on stage despite her evident reluctance.
Kai's Talent Performance
Surprising everyone, Kai performs Maya Angelou's 'Phenomenal Woman' set to dance during the talent portion. This was the same poem Turquoise had performed years ago, showcasing Kai's unexpected talent and growth.
Disappointment at the Pageant
Despite a powerful performance, Kai fails to place in the Miss Juneteenth pageant. While Turquoise feels proud of her daughter's bravery, it is evident that Kai is still disillusioned with the pageant experience.
Bar Owner's Health Crisis
The owner of the bar where Turquoise works suffers from heart problems, prompting him to decide to sell the establishment. This news shocks Turquoise, as she realizes the impending loss of her job and routine.
Turquoise's Business Proposal
In a bold move, Turquoise offers a counter-proposal to the bar owner, suggesting she buy out his business over time. This decision marks a significant shift in her life as she steps into the world of entrepreneurship.
Starting a New Chapter
Turquoise embarks on her new journey as a businesswoman following the acceptance of her proposal. This decision opens new possibilities for her future and signifies her resilience and determination.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Miss Juneteenth (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie)
Turquoise is a determined single mother striving to provide for her daughter while facing her own unfulfilled dreams. She is both nurturing and aspirational, embodying resilience despite her past choices and current obstacles. Her journey reflects a deep desire to rectify her own lost opportunities and empower her daughter.
Kai (Alexis Chikaeze)
Kai is a talented young girl torn between her mother's ambitions and her own passion for dance. She is struggling with the pressures of competition and societal expectations while trying to carve out her own identity. Throughout the film, Kai's character represents the challenge of balancing family influence with personal desires.
Ronnie (Kendrick Sampson)
Ronnie is Kai's father, whose complicated relationship with Turquoise adds layers of tension and emotional depth to the story. He represents both a source of past love and current conflict, struggling with his responsibilities while maintaining a connection to his family.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Miss Juneteenth (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The timeline of the movie reflects modern-day realities of single motherhood and personal aspirations. It addresses contemporary social issues such as the challenges faced by young women and their struggles to pursue their dreams.
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its rich cowboy history and cultural blend. It is famous for the Fort Worth Stockyards and offers a lively atmosphere with arts, music, and a strong sense of community.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Miss Juneteenth (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Mother-Daughter Relationship
The relationship between Turquoise and Kai underscores the complexities of familial bonds, highlighting aspirations, support, and generational differences. Turquoise's desire for Kai to succeed in a pageant contrasts with Kai's own dreams, creating a poignant exploration of love and expectation.
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Empowerment
Empowerment is a central theme, illustrated through Turquoise's determination to rebuild her life and encourage her daughter's self-expression. The film showcases how struggles can lead to personal growth and inspire resilience in both mother and daughter.
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Pageantry
The Miss Juneteenth pageant serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of self-worth and identity. It emphasizes the societal pressures related to beauty, achievement, and the celebration of cultural heritage, all while challenging the characters to define success on their own terms.
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