Directed by Kasi Lemmons • 1997 • United States
Starring Jurnee Smollett, Meagan Good, Samuel L. Jackson

Kasi Lemmons delivered one of the most distinctive directorial debuts of the 1990s with this richly atmospheric southern-gothic stew of sex, lies, and voodoo. Awash in Creole folklore, magic, and mysticism, EVE’S BAYOU charts the coming of age of a young girl (Jurnee Smollett in a fierce breakout performance) as she witnesses the myriad secrets and deceptions that tear her wealthy Louisiana family apart. Produced by Samuel L. Jackson—who also costars as the family’s philandering patriarch—this evocative exploration of memory, trauma, and forgiveness provides a showcase for a powerhouse ensemble of Black actresses, including Diahann Carroll as a voodoo priestess.