Janelle Monae’s starring role in “Antebellum” will now have to be witnessed as an on-demand release.

The dramatic thriller, written and directed by advocacy filmmakers Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, will debut on all platforms Sept. 18; it will receive a theatrical release in select international markets.

Though the Grammy-nominated Monae has already received critical acclaim in the film world for her roles in “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight,” the drama marks her first leading film portrayal (she’s also starring in the current season of “Homecoming” on Amazon Prime).

Janelle Monae (center) and Gabourey Sidibe (right) in ANTEBELLUM.

Credit: Matt Kennedy

icon to expand image

Credit: Matt Kennedy

In “Antebellum,” Monae plays an author who becomes trapped in a “horrifying reality that forces her to confront the past, present and future.” Bush and Renz said the current “realities of systemic racism in our country” spurred them to release the film on as broad a platform as possible.

The movie also stars Eric Lange, Jena Malone, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons and Gabourey Sidibe.

Follow the Atlanta Music Scene on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Debbie Gibson arrives at the Gala of the Stars benefit on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Featured

Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez