Beauty 2018
Step back to the Depression-era 1930s, where Harlem's jazz hums beneath the surface of everyday life. In Joyce Sherri's poignant short film Beauty (2018), a black woman with rare, unspoken gifts arrives at the doorstep of an enigmatic white widow seeking a housekeeper.
Director: Joyce Sherri
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beauty (2018) about?
In 1934 Harlem, a gifted black woman applies for a housekeeping job with a reclusive white widow. When the interview turns tense, she's forced to use her mysterious abilities in a desperate act she never intended — revealing far more than her resume.
Who directed Beauty?
Beauty (2018) was directed by Joyce Sherri, whose atmospheric storytelling blends historical realism with subtle fantasy elements.
Who stars in Beauty?
The cast features Jenna Williams in the lead role, alongside Ryan-James Hatanaka, Laura Poe, and Aaron Lee Wright.
Is Beauty (2018) worth watching?
Though short in runtime, Beauty (2018) delivers a powerful punch with its emotional depth and thematic richness. Fans of historical dramas with a touch of the supernatural will find it thought-provoking and visually immersive.
How long is Beauty?
Beauty (2018) runs for 12 minutes.
About Beauty (2018) — A haunting 1930s drama of hidden gifts and impossible choices
Step back to the Depression-era 1930s, where Harlem's jazz hums beneath the surface of everyday life. In Joyce Sherri's poignant short film Beauty (2018), a black woman with rare, unspoken gifts arrives at the doorstep of an enigmatic white widow seeking a housekeeper. The interview begins simply enough, but as the atmosphere thickens with unspoken tension, a single moment of desperation forces her to wield abilities she's fought to conceal. Set against a backdrop of stark contrasts — wealth and want, silence and revelation — this haunting drama weaves fantasy into the fabric of hardship, asking how far someone will go to survive.
With its dreamlike tone and emotional depth, Beauty (2018) is a compact yet powerful exploration of identity, power, and the quiet revolutions hidden in daily choices. Director Joyce Sherri crafts a world that feels both timeless and immediate, anchored by a standout performance from Jenna Williams, whose quiet intensity carries the emotional weight of the story. A blend of drama, fantasy, and romance, this 12-minute gem lingers long after the credits roll, inviting viewers to ponder what lies beneath the surface of even the most ordinary encounters.