August 21, 2020, Amazon Studios released its romantic drama “Chemical Hearts.” The film focuses on the complexities and nuances of being a teenager and falling in love. Being young can feel overwhelming and falling in love at the same time can result in intense emotions, confusion, and excitement all at once.
The film, which is executive produced by its leading lady Lili Reinhart, shows not just young love but also the diversity of it. The film highlights the love of self, friends, first love, first heartbreak, and love of the same sex.
With character La, played by actress Kara Young, audiences see an unapologetically Black and Queer character. The representation is as powerful and moving as the actress who plays the role. La is refreshing while also showing a type of Black girl that isn’t well represented in the media. She is young and liberated, unafraid to love herself, her natural hair, and completely unafraid of loving another Brown girl. La walks in her blackness without shame and discomfort and without the desire to further assimilate herself into a narrative not meant for her.
When speaking with actress Kara Young it is clear that the actress understands how powerful her work is for other people who look like her. She has a certain awareness of the significance of not just her role as La but her various roles in the theater world will continue to have on her audiences. Her work as an actress is intended to be a part of a revolutionary Black experience. The lionhearted actress, similar to her character, is working to bring attention to the diverse, beautiful, and intersectional stories that come with being Black. From working in theater and now film Kara’s dedication to showcasing Black stories is not only inspiring but powerful, and her ability to bring that same level of commitment to her role in the teenage romantic drama is commendable.
