Jenifer Lewis What's Love Got To Do With It

Okay, let's talk What's Love Got To Do With It. Specifically, let's talk Jenifer Lewis.

Yes, the movie about Tina Turner is iconic. We all know the story. But I have a confession to make.

Here it comes... I sometimes watch the movie just for Jenifer Lewis.

Seriously. Hear Me Out.

Look, Angela Bassett is phenomenal. She embodies Tina's strength and vulnerability. Nobody is arguing that.

But Jenifer Lewis? As Tina's mom, Zelma? Absolute gold.

She's gloriously awful. She steals every single scene. And that's a fact!

Zelma is a walking masterclass in passive aggression. Her side-eyes are legendary. She could cut glass with her words.

I mean, she basically abandons Tina! Then acts surprised when Tina becomes a superstar! The audacity!

And Jenifer Lewis plays it perfectly. I almost root for Zelma sometimes, even though she's terrible. Almost.

It's that sprinkle of humanity. The tiny glimmer of regret. It's genius acting.

Maybe...just maybe... Jenifer Lewis elevates the entire movie. Dare I say it?

Think about it. Without Zelma, would Tina's story hit quite as hard? Her abusive relationship with Ike overshadows the trauma with her mother.

Zelma represents a different kind of pain. A deep, primal wound of abandonment and rejection.

It's a complex layer. One that Lewis nails with every single raised eyebrow.

"You know, I always knew you were gonna be somebody. I just didn't know it was gonna be...this."

That line? Delivered with such a potent mix of pride and resentment? Chills.

Zelma's outfits are epic. She wears them like armor. Each one screaming "I am fabulous and you will respect me!"

From the church hats to the fur stoles. Every look is carefully curated. A perfect complement to her character's over-the-top personality.

And Jenifer Lewis knows how to work those clothes. Pure queen material.

Probably! I’m probably being dramatic. It's just my personal viewing experience.

But I stand by my statement. While Angela Bassett is the heart and soul, Jenifer Lewis is the delightfully wicked backbone of the movie.

She gives What's Love Got To Do With It that extra zing. That touch of darkly comedic brilliance. It adds something more.

Next time you watch it, pay extra attention to Zelma. You might just find yourself agreeing with me.

Or maybe you'll think I'm completely insane. Either way, thanks for listening. My work is done!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go watch Jenifer Lewis clips on YouTube. For research, of course.