South of Midnight’s Lead Performance: Black Women’s Powerful Stories Deserve the Spotlight
In the vibrant and often overlooked tapestry of video game narratives, South of Midnight emerges as a truly singular experience. This critically acclaimed title not only captivates with its engaging gameplay but also deeply resonates through its profound exploration of culture, heritage, and the enduring strength of familial bonds. At the heart of this narrative lies the exceptional performance of Adriyan Rae as Hazel, the game’s protagonist. Her portrayal has not only earned her a prestigious Golden Joystick Award nomination for Best Lead Performer but has also ignited crucial conversations about representation and the vital need for Black women’s stories to be amplified within the gaming industry and beyond.
The Rich Cultural Tapestry of South of Midnight
South of Midnight is a game that defies easy categorization. It masterfully weaves together a multitude of influences, drawing deeply from the unique cultural landscape of southern Louisiana, a region steeped in a rich blend of Cajun and Creole folklore. For those who have experienced the humid summers, the distinct flavors of boudin and crawfish, and the warmth of extended family gatherings in this distinctive part of the world, the game offers an unparalleled sense of familiarity and emotional connection. This cultural specificity is not merely a backdrop; it is intrinsically woven into the fabric of the narrative, lending an authenticity and depth rarely seen in mainstream gaming.
Beyond its Louisiana roots, South of Midnight delves into the complex and often underrepresented experiences of the Southern Black experience. This exploration is further enriched by the incorporation of fables and traditions from the Gullah people, whose distinct heritage and storytelling traditions add another layer of cultural significance to the game. The result is a narrative mosaic that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, touching upon themes of ancestry, grief, trauma, and, perhaps most prominently, love. This pervasive theme of love is particularly poignant, manifesting most powerfully in the profound connection between Hazel and her mother.
Adriyan Rae: A Revelation in Performance and Representation
The emotional core of South of Midnight is undeniably the relationship between Hazel and her mother, a connection brought to life with breathtaking authenticity by Adriyan Rae’s extraordinary voice and performance. While the entire cast delivers commendable vocal work, Rae’s performance as Hazel stands out, making her the sole Black woman nominated for a Golden Joystick Award this year. This distinction, while a cause for celebration, also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing disparities in representation within the gaming industry.
Rae herself acknowledges this duality. “On one side, it’s sad,” she shares, reflecting on being the only Black woman among the nominees. “On the other side, it’s wonderful, right? It’s based on your perspective. On the side of it being sad, these stories deserve to be told. Black women have strong stories and characters that people can resonate with, and they should be able to have their stories told. On the other side, at least this is progress. This nomination shows that.” This sentiment underscores the profound importance of visibility; Rae’s nomination is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling.
Her nomination signifies a crucial shift, challenging preconceived notions about what narratives will resonate with audiences. “Now look at us, we must have done something right by making a Black female lead,” Rae asserts with justified pride. “So I think that it’s both those things, but I like to err on the side of gratitude.” She views her achievement as a tangible step forward, one that she hopes will inspire those in positions of power within game development to prioritize diversity and allocate the necessary resources to bring these vital stories to fruition. “I’m just grateful for the progress, and I hope it shows the heads in charge of creating games and giving people the budgets to make these things that diversity and representation are very important, and we’re not going to lose by choosing to have those things. It’s a step in the right direction of progress, and I’m grateful to be part of that movement.”
The Guiding Hand of Ahmed Best
Rae’s ability to fully embody Hazel and deliver such a nuanced performance is, in no small part, due to the exceptional guidance of South of Midnight’s voice director, Ahmed Best. Best, widely recognized for his iconic role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel films, brought a wealth of experience and a remarkable sensitivity to his role as director. “I love him so very much,” Rae expresses, her admiration evident. “I’m just in awe of his talent, in awe of how humble he is, and he’s just a phenomenal director and performer [Best also voices Roux in South of Midnight].”
What particularly impressed Rae was Best’s collaborative approach and his ability to foster a creative environment where her own insights were valued. “I think what’s so beautiful is that he has this expertise and he can just share it with you without making you feel dumb or less than or like your own expertise isn’t important,” she explains. “He did a really phenomenal job of collaborating and uplifting me and giving me the space to be creative as well. And for that, I’m so grateful, because I think it helps make the characters nuanced and authentic.” This synergy between director and performer is palpable in South of Midnight, contributing significantly to its emotional resonance.
Empathy, Grace, and the Journey of Self-Discovery
When asked about the overarching message of South of Midnight, Rae articulates a philosophy that is both simple and profound: “Give people the compassion and grace and love that you would like to receive, and step to them with empathy.” This core message, she believes, is universally relatable. In a world often characterized by division and judgment, the need for empathy and understanding is more critical than ever. “I think that’s something that everyone can resonate with, and everyone could use a bit more of in today’s society,” Rae states. “When you come from that type of place, no matter where you are and who you are, everybody wants the grace that they give. Everybody wants to feel seen, heard, and understood, and I think that’s what Hazel does along the journey of her becoming and understanding herself. That’s why [South of Midnight] can resonate with so many people.”
Hazel’s journey of self-discovery within the game mirrors this central theme. As she navigates her challenges, she learns to embrace her evolving identity, to accept the fluidity of self, and to extend compassion both to herself and to others. This resonated deeply with Rae on a personal level. “That journey to self, the journey of accepting that you may have thought you knew who you were, but you’re ever-changing and ever-growing, that resonated,” she says. “Her journey, that’s what’s really stuck with me. As I made Hazel, Hazel made me.” This profound reciprocal influence highlights the transformative power of inhabiting a character that is rich in depth and authenticity.
A Serendipitous Path to an Iconic Role
It is fascinating to learn that Rae’s path to becoming the voice of Hazel was far from a direct one. Her initial aspirations lay in the scientific field; she pursued studies to become a physician assistant and medical laboratory scientist. Yet, her innate passion for creating and singing always simmered beneath the surface. This underlying creative drive ultimately guided her toward the performing arts.
After completing her studies, Rae relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she was first introduced to the world of acting. While she has since accumulated a respectable list of credits in television and film, including appearances in shows like Chicago Fire and The Game, her initial experiences on set were eye-opening. She recalls the demanding 15-hour workdays that, to her surprise, left her eager for more, a stark contrast to the more than a decade she had spent in scientific roles where she often found herself counting down the minutes until her next break. “That job felt like work, she says, and acting didn’t – it felt like her passion.”
Driven by this newfound passion, Rae made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles, even informing her employer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center that she would need to attend auditions as they arose. The audition for South of Midnight itself was a curious experience, bearing little resemblance to the game that would ultimately emerge. She was initially tasked with portraying a character in a mysterious bar scenario, far removed from the rich narrative and emotional depth that would define Hazel’s story. Despite the disconnect, her performance clearly struck a chord, leading to her landing the pivotal role.
The role of Hazel felt almost divinely ordained for Rae. Her prior independent study of Gullah and Geechee culture, coupled with the fact that her late great aunt shared the name Hazel and was known as a “healer,” created a powerful sense of destiny. “It was just so many things that I was like, ‘This is divinely set up for me to play this character,’” she conveys. This serendipitous alignment of personal experiences and artistic opportunity undoubtedly contributed to the authenticity and emotional weight of her performance.
More Than a Voice: The Power of Motion Capture
Rae’s contribution to South of Midnight extends beyond her exceptional voice acting; she also provided the motion capture for Hazel. This dual role allowed her to imbue the character with an even greater sense of physicality and organic movement. Interestingly, her first motion capture session occurred during the first trimester of her pregnancy with her now one-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
This personal connection to motherhood profoundly amplified the game’s central theme of a daughter’s relationship with her mother. Sharing the experience of playing South of Midnight with her own daughter, born just days before the game’s release, offered Rae a unique and deeply moving perspective. “It made the journey so much more touching for me because it wasn’t just about me and my mother,” she reflects. “Now, it was like, ‘What about me and her?’ Us being torn apart [like Hazel and her mother in-game], I can’t imagine. It just really made those emotions so much more visceral, so much more raw, and I think it comes across in the performance.” This maternal perspective undoubtedly added an extra layer of emotional resonance to her portrayal, making Hazel’s journey even more compelling for players who are also parents.
A Testament to Progress and the Future of Storytelling
Adriyan Rae’s performance as Hazel in South of Midnight is a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of video game storytelling. Her Golden Joystick nomination, while a personal milestone, represents a broader victory for representation and inclusivity. It underscores the undeniable fact that Black women have strong stories and compelling characters that deserve to be brought to life and shared with the world.
While the industry has made strides, Rae’s experience serves as a reminder that there is still significant work to be done. Her gratitude for the progress achieved is tempered with a hopeful anticipation for what lies ahead. “I’m just grateful for the progress, and I hope it shows the heads in charge of creating games and giving people the budgets to make these things that diversity and representation are very important, and we’re not going to lose by choosing to have those things,” she emphasizes.
The journey of Hazel, as brought to life by Rae, is a profound exploration of self, empathy, and the enduring power of love. It is a narrative that not only entertains but also educates and inspires, demonstrating the immense potential of video games to reflect the richness and diversity of human experience. South of Midnight and the remarkable performance of Adriyan Rae are more than just a great game; they are a vital step forward in ensuring that all voices, particularly those historically marginalized, are heard and celebrated. Her story, and Hazel’s, will undoubtedly continue to resonate long after the credits roll.