Karen

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 3, 2021

Genre
Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Taryn Manning as Karen Drexler
• Cory Hardrict as Malik
• Jasmine Burke as Imani
• Gregory Alan Williams as Charles Wright
• Roger Dorman as Mike Wind
• Brandon Sklenar as Officer Hill

Director
Coke Daniels

Other Movies Director is Known For

• His, Hers & the Truth (2019)
• Who’s Your Caddy? (2007)
• Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary (2007)

Producer
Coke Daniels, Mary Aloe, Sevier Crespo

Writer
Coke Daniels

Budget
$2.5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Flixville USA, Burke Management, BET Original Films

Running Time
89 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Racial themes
• Violence

Movie Story
Karen is a social thriller that explores contemporary racial tensions in suburban America. The film centers around Malik and Imani, a young Black couple who move into a seemingly peaceful, predominantly white suburban neighborhood. Their excitement about their new home quickly turns into a nightmare when they encounter Karen Drexler, their hostile, racist neighbor who becomes increasingly invasive and menacing.

Karen, played by Taryn Manning, embodies the stereotype of the “Karen” figure—a term that has become synonymous with entitled, racist behavior, often involving the misuse of authority or privilege to harass people of color. As Karen begins to escalate her harassment, Malik and Imani find themselves in a dangerous situation where their safety and peace of mind are continually threatened.

The film delves into the microaggressions and overt racism that Karen inflicts on the couple, using her influence and connections within the community, including her brother who is a local police officer, to further her agenda. The tension rises as Karen’s actions become more extreme, leading to a climactic confrontation that forces Malik and Imani to stand up against her in order to protect themselves.

Karen seeks to address issues of racism, privilege, and systemic bias through the lens of a thriller, using its characters to explore the dangers of unchecked bigotry and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Special Effects
The film relies on practical effects and atmospheric tension rather than heavy special effects. The focus is on the psychological impact of Karen’s actions and the escalating threat she poses to the couple, with the cinematography and score working to heighten the sense of unease throughout the movie.

Box Office Performance
Karen was released on BET and select streaming platforms. The film received widespread attention due to its controversial subject matter, and while it sparked conversation and debate, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised its attempt to tackle important social issues, while others critiqued its execution and perceived heavy-handedness.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re the problem in this neighborhood.” – Karen Drexler
• “We won’t let her push us out.” – Malik

Behind-the-Scenes
Taryn Manning, known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, took on the role of Karen Drexler, fully embracing the antagonistic character. The film was directed and written by Coke Daniels, who intended to create a thriller that also served as a social commentary on the current racial climate in America. The production took place in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its historical and contemporary significance in discussions of race and civil rights.

Awards

• No notable awards.

Final Verdict
Karen is a film that aims to provoke thought and discussion about racism and privilege in modern America. While its approach may be divisive, it brings attention to important issues through the lens of a thriller. Taryn Manning’s portrayal of the titular character is particularly noteworthy, as she fully commits to the role of an antagonist that embodies real-world issues. However, the film’s execution and narrative have been met with mixed reactions, making it a polarizing but relevant piece of social commentary.

IMDb Rating
2.9/10