“What makes “Earth Mama” especially noteworthy is Leaf’s subtle social commentary [with costume design by Natasha Hester]. Rather than telling us how society is failing young Black women, Leaf shows it. Gia is absolutely trying her hardest; despite being very pregnant, she continues to work. And while she’s clearly intelligent and thoughtful, however hard Gia wants to improve her situation, she just can’t. There are too many forces against her, and that pressure leads to desperation, manifesting in everything from her efforts not to relapse to being forced to steal necessities for her unborn child.”

Read the full review here.