She's Gotta Have It

She's Gotta Have It is a captivating, contemporary American drama-comedy series developed by Spike Lee premiering on Netflix from 2017 to 2019. The series is a modern reinterpretation of Lee's 1986 film of the same name, providing a fresh narrative for the current generation, laced with intriguing characters, bold storylines, and vibrant, artistic expressions reflecting the essence of the Brooklyn community, where the story is intricately set.

At the heart of the series is the alluring, confident, and free-spirited protagonist, Nola Darling, played by DeWanda Wise. She is a struggling yet passionate artist who refuses to compromise her lifestyle, career, or numerous intimate relationships. Her fierce independence and unrestricted exploration of sexuality become crucial elements driving the plot. Nola's relationships with three different men - Jamie, Mars, and Greer - along with her relationship with Opal, reveal vastly different facets of her character. Each offers a nuanced portrait of contemporary romantic relationships while challenging traditional tropes of femininity, monogamy, and sexuality.

The series presents Nola as a Millennial woman who is in control of her own life, determined to live on her own terms and lovemaking. Through her character, the show confronts societal and cultural norms, often challenging and subverting them. Her desire to "have it all" echoes the defiance comprising the ethos of the modern woman.

However, She's Gotta Have It does not restrict itself to discussions around romance and sexuality. The series extends its narrative to explore a broad range of topics, including gentrification, racial inequality, identity politics, and the struggles of the artistic community. The show is layered and rich, providing an authentic portrayal of Nola's world, her circle of friends, and the pressures and dilemmas facing them as they navigate the complexities of their everyday lives.

One of the unique aspects of the series is its strong artistic vision, which is no surprise considering its developed by the reputable Spike Lee. It is marked by vibrant cinematography, stylized set designs, and visually arresting artwork that frequently makes its way into the episodes. Notably, each episode is named after a famous painting or work of art, adding another layer of artistic depth to the series.

The vibrant community of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, forms a significant backdrop to the series, acting as a character in itself. Brooklyn's art scene, streets, music, and social issues are woven seamlessly into the series' narrative, providing a rich, colorful, and atmospheric landscape that immerses the viewer into the world of Nola Darling.

The show also uses music as a fantastic narrative tool, with each character given a specific sound and music style that accompanies their scenes, influencing the mood and progression of the storylines. It's a rhythmic, eclectic collection of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and pop, creating a remarkable and unforgettable auditory experience that supplements the visual storytelling.

While the series retains the essence of the original film, it takes advantage of the serialized format to delve deeper into the characters and themes. The performances are outstanding, with DeWanda Wise bringing a magnetic energy and charisma to Nola Darling's role, rendering her both relatable and aspirational.

She's Gotta Have It is a profound exploration of contemporary themes, relationships, and self-realization through the eyes of a modern, African American woman who's searching for happiness, success, and fulfillment. The series navigates through complexity and contradiction, humor and poignancy, social critique and self-exploration, resulting in a diverse, engaging, and necessary narrative for today's audience. Despite its short run time, the treasure trove of this series lies in its ability to blend high-art aesthetics, vibrant music, humorous dialogue, and hard-hitting social commentary to create a show that feels both unique and timely.

In sum, She's Gotta Have It stands as an unapologetic, worldly-wise, and genuinely original series that amalgamates the worlds of art, music, love, and identity politics while reveling in push-pull dynamics in relationships, a love for black culture, self-love, and gender-equity. It's a must-watch for those looking for a mature, thought-provoking, and artistically inspired viewing experience.