The sports movie, like any genre, can easily fall victim to overly familiar story beats.

Much of the horror of “Antebellum” is in its unflinching depiction of the violence inflicted on slaves. Monae hopes the film acts as a catalyst for discussions about systemic racism in a politically divided nation. The movie grew out of a literal nightmare that co-writer-director Gerard Bush had after his father died. In addition to Monae, the cast also includes Jack Huston, Eric Lange, Kiersey Clemons, Gabourey Sidibe and Jena Malone. Bush said he realizes that audiences will be uncomfortable watching the film, but he believes that unsettling times calls for unsettling art.