Natalia, an emerging writer/director known for her unapologetic and captivating storytelling style, has directed the first three episodes of the highly anticipated series “Black Cake.” The show is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Charmaine Wilkerson, which received recognition from former President Obama on his list of favorite books in 2022. The trailer for the series premiered exclusively on the Today show last week, generating excitement among fans.
“Black Cake” is a family drama that intertwines with a murder mystery, featuring a diverse cast of characters and a global setting. Produced by Marissa Jo Cerar, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Aaron Kaplans’ Kapital Entertainment, the story takes place in various locations, including Jamaica, Rome, Scotland, England, and Southern California. The narrative spans decades as it follows Covey, a runaway bride who disappears into the surf. The rest of the story unfolds through the series, promising suspense and intrigue. Screeners are available for preview.
Natalia’s distinct style and voice shine through in her direction of the first three powerful episodes of “Black Cake.” She has made a name for herself in the independent film industry with critically acclaimed works like “Bare,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2015. Her debut film explores the story of a small-town girl’s journey into the world of stripping, drugs, and dark fantasies. The emotional intelligence and sensitivity displayed in “Bare” garnered praise from the Los Angeles Times.
In 2017, Natalia directed the indie thriller “M.F.A.” starring Francesca Eastwood, which received mainstream press attention and critical acclaim. Known for her assertive style, she has also ventured into television, directing episodes of popular shows such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “In The Dark,” “Love, Victor,” “Minx,” “Ordinary Joe,” and “Love Life.”
“Black Cake” is an adaptation of Charmaine Wilkerson’s New York Times-bestselling book, written by Marissa Jo Cerar, who also serves as the showrunner. The series delves into the story of Covey’s disappearance off the coast of Jamaica in the late 1960s, where she is believed to have drowned or become a fugitive for her husband’s murder. Fifty years later in California, Eleanor Bennett, a widow battling cancer, leaves her children, Byron and Benny, a flash drive containing untold stories of her journey from the Caribbean to America. These revelations challenge the siblings’ perceptions of their family’s origin.
“Black Cake” is set to premiere on November 1st and will be available exclusively on Hulu. Fans of suspenseful family dramas and murder mysteries are eagerly anticipating this highly anticipated series, which promises to captivate audiences with its global setting, diverse characters, and intriguing narrative.
_Daedrian McNaughton