- Brooks and Nicholson deliver standout performances portraying Little Ant’s parents navigating family fractures.
- The film uses Greek mythology to explore a young Black boy’s identity and circumstances in Watts.
- Cinematography and storytelling draw comparisons to ‘Moonlight’ while establishing its own unique visual identity.
Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson are earning their flowers for If I Go Will They Miss Me, and BOSSIP and Cassius’ The Black Watch is digging into the dazzling performances, difficult family dynamics, and deeply personal themes driving the indie drama.
This week, BOSSIP Managing Editor Dani Canada is joined by producer Serita Wesley, actor Jeremie Rivers, and producer Carlton Jordan to unpack the film’s exploration of Black fatherhood, generational trauma, identity, and the desire to escape difficult circumstances.
The 2026 independent film, now available on streaming, follows a 12-year-old boy named Little Ant growing up in the Nickerson Gardens housing projects in Watts, California. As he navigates his surroundings and a fractured relationship with his father, the young protagonist turns to Greek mythology to make sense of the world around him.
The conversation begins with Wesley, Rivers, and Jordan reflecting on the film’s emotional impact, particularly the performance of Bodhi Jordan Dell portraying Little Ant.
“I felt like the family dynamic, I mean, I think we’ve seen some of this before, but it was just done in such an artsy way,” said Serita. “It was just very beautiful.”
The discussion also highlights the film’s use of mythology to explore a young Black boy’s experiences.
“The Greek mythology tie is a fresh touch, especially in the Black community,” said Jeremie.
Danielle Brooks & J. Alphonse Nicholson Earn Their Flowers
While the film’s storytelling and cinematography generate plenty of conversation, the group reserves some of their strongest praise for Brooks and Nicholson, who portray Little Ant’s parents.
For Dani, seeing the two performers share the screen was a highlight.
“They, to me, were a big part of why I thought this movie was just one to watch,” Dani says. “It was amazing. I just want to make sure we give them their flowers.”
Jordan also praises Brooks’ performance, particularly the subtle choices she makes while portraying a mother attempting to protect her family.
“This is like one of my favorite performances of hers,” says Carlton. “You could tell the internal turmoil that she was going through and seeing her try to hold it all together for the love of her man and her child or her children.”
The conversation takes a playful turn when the group praises Danielle Brooks’ ability to deliver emotionally charged performances a la Viola Davis in Fences.
“One thing Danielle Brooks is going to do, though, is cry,” says Carlton.
“Just without the snot,” quips Dani.
Serita agrees with Carlton’s assessment of Brooks’ acting choices, recalling a particularly relatable scene involving the actress’ character and her mother.
Dani also praises Nicholson’s range beyond his breakout role as Lil Murda on Starz’s P-Valley, while the group discusses his work in other projects, including Lanterns.
Is ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ the Next ‘Moonlight’?
The conversation turns to comparisons between If I Go Will They Miss Me and Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning Moonlight, with the group identifying similarities in the films’ visual styles, coming-of-age narratives and portrayals of young Black boys searching for their identities.
Dani points to the film’s use of blue lighting, particularly during a scene featuring Brooks and Nicholson.
“Aesthetically, I definitely see that,” she says, asking whether the similarities extend beyond the cinematography.
The guests also discuss the films’ pacing, performances and visual storytelling, noting how both center young Black protagonists attempting to understand themselves while navigating complicated relationships and environments.
Dani draws a parallel between Moonlight protagonist Chiron and Little Ant, noting that both characters are trying to determine who they are and where they belong.
“I feel like there’s a lot of similarities there to Chiron and Little Ant,” Dani says. “They’re both trying to find themselves, trying to figure out who they are.”
Still, Rivers, Wesley and Jordan acknowledge that If I Go Will They Miss Me establishes its own identity through its incorporation of Greek mythology and layered symbolism.
Black Fatherhood, Brotherhood & The Meaning Behind The Metaphors
The panel also examines the film’s depiction of Black fatherhood, particularly Little Ant’s longing for a relationship with a father he idolizes despite their strained connection.
During the conversation, the guests discuss how the boy sees his father almost as a god, while his mother works to shield him from some of the realities of his father’s behavior.
The group also highlights a scene in which Nicholson’s character is confronted by a male friend about his responsibilities as a father.
“Brotherhood, like holding your friends and your peers accountable for how they are raising their kid and treating that girl,” says Carlton. “I thought that was a great add.”
The group also explore the film’s recurring imagery of airplanes and flight, offering different interpretations of what the symbolism represents.
“I thought it was a horrible film for a moment,” admitted Dani.
The episode also examines the real-world inspiration behind the airplane metaphors involving an aircraft dumping fuel over a Southern California neighborhood.
Dani also discusses 2020 Delta Air Lines incident and a reported $16.7 million settlement, expressing disbelief over the amount that would be distributed among affected residents.
Lil Murda Or Taystee? The Panel Puts Its TV Knowledge To The Test
After exploring the film’s heavier themes, Dani lightens the mood with a trivia game celebrating Brooks and Nicholson’s television careers.
She challenges Wesley, Rivers and Jordan to identify whether various storylines belong to Lil Murda from P-Valley or Taystee from Orange Is the New Black.
Watch the latest episode of The Black Watch below.
