Welcome to my blog series Dr. A-L Tells: What to Read & Watch, where I get to share with you some of my favourite finds from books, films, & other gems that resonated with me so deeply I just had to write about them! In each post, I’ll keep it short & sweet with a 500-word-ish review of something I’ve recently read or watched, often centring Black people, identity, & diverse experiences around the globe.
This series mixes my personal reflections, feelings, & academic insights to offer a fresh take on stories that capture the richness & complexity of Black voices worldwide. I’m here to explore the layers of culture, history, & identity while unpacking how these narratives hit home for me on both intellectual & emotional levels. So, whether you’re in the mood for a thoughtful analysis or just a solid recommendation, I hope each post brings a quick but meaningful spark to your day! ✨
In this post, I dive into Shabu (2023).
I was drawn to Shabu by its thumbnail alone: a magnetic young Black face on a balcony, framed against a backdrop of flats. Part of the allure was how he seemed to embody an urban energy, familiar in inner-city estates or suburban social housing blocks across the Western world. Something about his red durag, white tank top, gold stud & chain exuded a unique swagger & confidence that felt both distinctive & relatable. This is our introduction to Shabu, the protagonist of this self-titled documentary.
At first, I was hesitant to watch. The synopsis revealed that it was a Dutch production with English subtitles, which can sometimes feel distracting, but my curiosity won out—especially since stories of the Black Dutch experience rarely make it to UK audiences. As a self-proclaimed global Blackness connoisseur, I’m familiar with the nuances of Black European diasporic life, having even studied in Amsterdam to explore these often-overlooked narratives. My instincts were right: Shabu was heartwarming & refreshing, expanding the narrow screen tropes of Blackness, community & masculinity in beautifully nuanced ways.
The film follows 14-year-old Shabu from Rotterdam, who, in a moment of youthful impulse, takes his grandma’s car for a joyride, leading to significant damage. The opening scene shows Shabu being held accountable over a family video call. His grandma, who’s on holiday in Suriname, is so upset she gives him the silent treatment. From here, the plot unfolds: Shabu’s mission to repay his grandma for the car repairs & fines before she returns at the end of summer.
What follows is a charming journey as Shabu hustles to make amends with the help of family & friends. He tries everything—from selling homemade ice pops around the neighbourhood to working at the local shop. Alongside his quest to earn money, we see glimpses of his day-to-day life: romantic ups & downs, caring for his younger siblings, flat-sitting for his grandma, & hanging out with friends. It soon becomes clear that these small tasks won’t earn enough or satisfy his creative energy. After a jam session with his cousin, he decides to channel his love for music to raise funds & unite the community on Rotterdam’s Peperklip estate.
The film captures countless beautiful, real moments. Shabu treats his girlfriend with sweet tenderness, a memorable poolside scene where his friends offer emotionally mature, vulnerable relationship advice, & the unwavering support from his father, who instils resilience, helping him stay committed even when things get hard & encouraging him before his debut performance. A powerful scene also shows his older cousin celebrating a coming-of-age ceremony, blending Surinamese traditions & African-rooted drumming & dances, revealing the family’s deeply held heritage. When Shabu’s grandma surprises him by returning early, he runs into her arms in an emotional reunion, just in time for the community party.
At times, I forgot I was watching a documentary; the storytelling feels natural, the chemistry between characters so genuine. Gradually, Shabu’s journey shows itself to be about more than repaying his grandma—it’s about learning responsibility, resilience, & maturing into a thoughtful young man. By the end, I was moved to tears—the first time a documentary has ever moved me to such joy. Kudos to director Shamira Raphaëla & the entire team for such an honest, original piece.
Watch the trailer for Shabu here now & please share your thoughts!
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