Antebellum

“Antebellum,” starting with the elaborate opening tracking shot that introduces us to the plantation and some of its gruesome goings-on, is quite strong visually. It’s artistically captivating despite what is happening within the frame. Yet, when the twisty, occasionally scary affair is over, you wish it had one more story element that brought it all together in a more impactful way and more character development for the characters aside from its lead. Speaking of its lead, “Antebellum” benefits from a strong performance from Janelle Monae (“Hidden Figures”), as Veronica, a Ph.D sociologist whose bestselling books explore the disenfranchisement of Black people in this country. “I’m here to tell you,” she says to an older white man hosting the talk show on which she is the guest, “this vicious cycle of inequity will soon be broken.” However, we are introduced to Veronica in period-appropriate clothing during that opening elaborate shot at the plantation, after which, she is beaten — and branded — by the white man (Eric Lange, “Narcos”) until she identifies herself the way he wants, as Eden, through her wails and sobbing. “Say your name, girl,” he demands before her compliance and takes off his belt. “It brings me no joy to do this.” Life on this plantation is particularly rough, the slaves being told in no uncertain terms they are not to speak unless given permission. And, of course, the women expected to fulfill any desire a man has. Also on the plantation is Elizabeth (Jena Malone), a white woman in a position