Top 5 Facts about Netflix's The Incredible Jessica James
Netflix picked up a new film to add to their roster! The Incredible Jessica James is getting rave reviews! Here are Top 5 Facts you should know about the film! Did you know that Jim Strouse wrote the movie especially for the film's start Jessica Williams? The movie premiered at Sundance. Netflix bought the rights to distribute it. Before its release, the film was sitting at a comfortable 95% on Rotten Tomatoes so it seems like the streaming giant made the right call. But who is Jessica Wlliams? Jessica Williams might still be up and coming star, but her career has actually been long and varied!
#4: It Features a mix of Familiar Faces and Newcomers
While the film’s focus is spent primarily on on the titular character, portrayed by Jessica Williams, the supporting cast is important in creating the overall tone. Williams may be recognizable from her minor roles in TV and movies, but she’s mainly familiar to audiences because of her position as a former correspondent on “The Daily Show”. Other faces you may notice are Noël Wells (who plays Dev’s love interest on Netflix’s “Master of None”) on the role of Jessica’s best friend, and Lakeith Stanfield from “Atlanta” acting as Jessica’s ex.
#3: Jim Strouse Wrote the Movie for Jessica Williams
Jim Strouse is a screenwriter and director who has created a number of indie films in the past decade, including “Lonesome Jim” starring Casey Affleck and directed by Steve Buscemi, “Grace Is Gone” starring John Cusack, and 2015’s “People Places Things”. While working on that film, Strouse had the chance to work with Jessica Williams and during the editing stage said that he couldn’t wait until she starred in her own movie. Rather than let someone else cast her in a major role first, Strouse hurried the process along by penning the screenplay for “Jessica James” with Williams in mind for the lead part.
#2: The Film is Inspired by Real Life
Considering the final product feels like a showcase for Williams’ work, it should come as no surprise that she had a hand in the direction the story would take and drew inspiration from events in her real life. Strouse and Williams worked closely together during the writing phase, and Williams is also an executive producer for the project in addition to having a starring role. The film’s character is an aspiring playwright who pays the bills by teaching acting to children, and while Williams hasn’t focused on writing for theatre offscreen, the themes are undoubtedly the similar.
#1: Who is Jessica Williams?
Jessica Williams might still be up and coming star, but her career has actually been long and varied. Williams kicked off her acting work on a short lived Nickelodeon show called “Just for Kicks,” in which she played a young New York soccer player. She went on to act in several minor roles including a stint on HBO’s “Girls” but her big break came when she was hired as the first black female correspondent for “The Daily Show” in 2012. While she left that job after four years, she has gone on to host the hugely popular podcast “Two Dope Queens” as well as creating her own upcoming show for Comedy Central. We look forward to seeing more of Williams soon!
