YouTube Channel 'Pay Or Wait' Is Shaking Up Film Criticism

Film criticism remains dominated by white males.

In an article by Variety, results from a 2018 study on film criticism conducted by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism were reported.

The findings in regards to inclusive representation in the profession were bleak:

• 82% of reviews for 100 of the highest-grossing films were written by white critics
• Only 18% of those reviews were written by critics from underrepresented backgrounds, even though marginalized groups make up approximately 39% of the total populations in the United States
• When broken down by gender, out of 19, 559 reviews examined by the study, only 20% were written by women while 78% were written by men

Film criticism has a whiteness problem, which is brought into stark relief when you search for movie review channels on YouTube.

In conducting my own YouTube searches, the paucity of review channels by Black critics presented to me was glaring -

As a Black man and film lover, this has been a source of endless frustration - until I discovered the YouTube channel Pay Or Wait.

Sharronda Williams is Pay Or Wait

The YouTube channel Pay Or Wait is run by Sharronda Williams, a Black woman critic who reviews major films released theatrically - and due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown - via streaming platforms such as Hulu and Netflix.

Sharronda's stated goal with her reviews is to share her honest opinions about new films in order to advise whether you should "pay" to see them because of their quality or "wait" if she deems them to be deficient in entertainment value.

Judging by the many films reviews I have watched on her channel, she is succeeding in her mission with aplomb.

Pay Or Wait is providing sorely need inclusive representation in film criticism

By being a Black woman film critic on YouTube, Sharronda is shattering the white male boy's club that is the film review community on the video-sharing platform.

Because of who she is and her lived experiences, Sharronda brings a different and refreshing perspective to film reviews. Not only is her injection of original, critical thinking a joy to watch, but her unique perspective as a Black film lover resonates with moviegoers from marginalized communities who have long been underserved by film criticism.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the very fact Pay or Wait exists and is a thriving channel proves there is massive demand for more diversity in film criticism.

Pay Or Wait is a YouTube review channel in a class of its own

You begin to understand why Pay or Wait is exploding in popularity after watching just a few of it creator's reviews.

Sharronda has a magnetic and ebullient onscreen presence. Unlike other reviewers who can seem a tad pompous, aloof, or even juvenile when reviewing films, Sharronda comes across as a trusted friend whose opinion you know you can trust.

But do not be fooled by her geniality, because she loves movies and is very erudite and discerning when it comes to judging them. One aspect of Sharronda's reviews I appreciate is - no matter if she recommends a film or not - she will share aspects of the production she enjoyed along with those she did not.

Whether she praises or is disapproving of a film, she will tell you specifically why in every review.

Sharronda is an adept celebrity interviewer

Not only does Sharronda review films, she conducts interviews with actors, directors, and producers.

What makes her interviews compelling to watch is she her uncanny ability to build rapport with her guests - often during very limited timeframes. She is prepared during every interview, and it shows by the insightful and thoughtful questions she asks - and her guests acknowledge this and express their appreciation for it.

Pay Or Wait interview segments are becoming a crowd favorite - and deservedly so.

Sharronda is transparent and relatable

As I stated earlier, many film reviewers come off as, well, film snobs or entitled, temperamental fans.

Sharronda is quite the opposite. She loves film and appreciates her channel's supporters. Also, She is transparent and honest regarding her professional struggles as a Black woman working in media.

She frequently conducts YouTube Live streams where she takes her audience "behind the curtain" to share how her videos are produced, what her goals are for Pay or Wait, to chat about upcoming film and television projects she is excited about, and to sometimes open up about personal challenges she may be experiencing.

This deep level of engagement with her channel's community of supporters is endearing and makes her feel very relatable as a fellow every person who loves the movies.

Final Word

Sharronda Williams and her Pay or Wait film review channel is reinvigorating film criticism on YouTube. Armed with her buoyant personality, honed cinematic insights, and uncanny ability to build rapport across audiences, she is a shining example of how more inclusive representation in media benefits us all.