If my life were a movie, the opening scene would be set in the bustling kitchen of my childhood, framed by the fragrant chaos of a Saturday morning in our Jamaican American household. My mother, armed with a wooden spoon like a general with her baton, would be orchestrating breakfast—ackee and saltfish on one burner, dumplings rolling in a pot, and gospel music on the radio loud enough to drown out our chatter. My siblings and I would be in the background, either squabbling over plantain portions or getting shooed out of the way. If you’re imagining something like a family scene from Soul Food but with the seasoning levels cranked to 110%, you’re right on target.

From those early moments, life has always felt like it needed a good soundtrack and a solid cast.

The Lead: Daniel Kaluuya as Me

For the role of “Marcus Chambers,” I need someone who can carry the weight of a thousand contradictions. Someone who can shift gracefully between the Marcus who slugged it out in D.C.’s public schools and the Marcus who argued Rousseau in Georgetown lectures. Enter Daniel Kaluuya.

He’s got the depth to play a guy who spent nights on Capitol Hill drafting speeches about policy reform and mornings sipping coffee with diplomats while still giving spud me, bruv vibes. Plus, the man can wear a suit—with the ease that signals both “this was tailored” and “I’ve got an extra pair of Jordans in the car.” That’s me in a nutshell.

And with Kaluuya in the lead? You already know he’s going to nail every scene that calls for balancing professional swagger with those very relatable moments of clumsiness when trying to impress a crush. If you’ve ever debated whether to buy flowers or ghostwrite a love poem—Daniel as "Marcus" has been there, trust me.

Supporting Cast: A Star-Studded Ensemble

Every good movie needs a memorable supporting cast, and let me tell you, my life’s been full of characters who are Oscar-worthy in their own right.

My Mother: Viola Davis

If there’s anyone who can embody my mother’s dignity, resolve, and ability to side-eye you into next week, it’s Viola Davis. My mom didn’t play around, whether it was perfecting double shifts as a nurse or making sure we knew exactly how much money went into feeding teenage appetites. Picture Davis’s iconic tearful resolve from Fences, except she’s wielding a rolling pin and lecturing you on why you don’t bring home B’s when you’re capable of A’s. And yes, you’d cry, too—mainly because she’s always right.

My Father: Idris Elba

For the role of my dad, Idris Elba doesn’t even need dialogue; he just needs to show up in a high-visibility vest with construction dust on his boots. The kind of man who wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to work two jobs but still makes time to school his kids on what respect really means. Elba would capture my dad’s quiet strength, his one-liner wisdom, and the unshakable pride he had in his Caribbean roots. Bonus points if Idris pulls off my father’s sly grin after winning a dominoes match at a family barbecue.

My Best Friend: Donald Glover

Every lead needs a comedic foil with just enough emotional depth, and Donald Glover is perfect to play my best friend—and occasional co-conspirator in the ups and downs of dating. From running through poorly planned date ideas to dissecting text messages like a Supreme Court brief, my real-life best friend is the guy who turns every mishap into a punchline—and sometimes, into life advice. Glover’s wit, charm, and ability to unexpectedly drop profound truths fit like a glove.

The First Crush: Yara Shahidi

My first teenage crush deserves an actress like Yara Shahidi—someone sharp, poised, and with that gentle confidence that makes every interaction feel like living poetry. In real life, my crush and I met at a science fair and bonded over random trivia about Saturn's rings (romantic, right?), and I was convinced I’d found my soulmate—until, of course, she started dating someone else. Cue Daniel Kaluuya in an Insecure-esque melancholy montage about missed opportunities.

The Plotline: Love, Growth, and Some Good Old Family Drama

What makes a film about my life worth watching isn’t just the story of a Jamaican American kid navigating two worlds, but the way those worlds collide in the messy intersection of love and self-discovery.

There’s the subplot where I try (and fail) to adapt my family’s no-nonsense values to modern dating. Perhaps no scene encapsulates this challenge better than when I brought home a girlfriend who—bless her heart—insisted on putting ketchup on curry goat. My parents’ faces were a study in dramatic acting that no amount of rehearsal could prepare you for. I played mediator, nervously laughing. Needless to say, we broke up soon after. Cultural dealbreakers, folks. They’re real.

Or the arc where I slowly learn that being emotionally available isn’t just a nice buzzword but an actual skill. In one chapter of my life—let’s call it the “Capitol Hill Years”—I was far too focused on my career to notice when a relationship was suffering from neglect. (Pro tip: buying someone cupcakes after canceling date night for the third time does not fix things). Growth is the story arc we don’t always see coming, but it hits hard when it finally shows up.

Soundtrack: A Playlist for Every Scene

Every movie needs a killer soundtrack, and mine? Well, let’s call it eclectic. The Sunday family dinners flashbacks would feature Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” wafting through the kitchen. Exam montages in college? Go-go music, hands down—I’m talking Chuck Brown’s “Bustin’ Loose” pumping energy into late-night study sessions. And those heartbreak scenes where Daniel Kaluuya as Marcus leans against the D.C. Metro pillars looking contemplative? That’s Drake's “Marvins Room.” You already knew.

The final act, where grown-up Marcus finally balances culture, career, and love? “Could You Be Loved” by Marley again, full circle. Because if there’s one thing my life movie would teach you, it’s that grace and rhythm carry you through almost anything.

Lessons from Casting Your Life’s Movie

Now, not everyone has envisioned Daniel Kaluuya wearing their high school graduation cap or Viola Davis in their mom’s church hat, but imagining your life as a film is a pretty eye-opening exercise. Here’s what I’ve learned through my mental casting process:

  1. Your Supporting Cast Matters. From the mother who grounds you to the friend who makes you laugh, every “scene” is made better by good company. Pay attention to who's in your cast.

  2. Own the Awkward Moments. Let’s be real—half of life’s funniest (and most relatable) plot points are the ones where everything goes a little sideways. No one wants a perfect lead. They want a human one.

  3. Growth Is the Real Plot. Whether it’s about love, family, or career, the best stories show change. Don’t be afraid to lean into your own character development.

So, who’s playing you? And more importantly, what’s your soundtrack? Whatever it is, just remember: your movie’s far from over. Make it a blockbuster.