In the mid-1990s, Hollywood was on the brink of transformation, grappling with issues of diversity, representation, and the broadening of narratives that spoke to marginalized communities. Amid this changing landscape emerged Set It Off, a film that dared to explore the complexities of race, gender, and socio-economic struggles through the lens of four African American women driven to crime by desperation. At the heart of this powerful ensemble was Queen Latifah, whose portrayal of Cleopatra “Cleo” Sims not only broke new ground but also solidified her status as a formidable actress capable of delivering a performance that was as groundbreaking as it was daring.

Portraying a Complex, Multifaceted Character

Cleo was unlike any character that mainstream Hollywood had seen up to that point. A bold and unapologetic representation of a Black, openly lesbian woman, Cleo’s character shattered stereotypes and challenged the norms of how LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly women of color, were depicted on screen. In a time when the entertainment industry was still grappling with the nuances of queer representation, Queen Latifah’s decision to take on such a role was nothing short of revolutionary.

Latifah, who was already a household name as a rapper and hip-hop artist, found herself navigating uncharted territory with Cleo. The character’s sexuality was not a mere footnote but an integral part of her identity, one that Latifah had to portray with both authenticity and sensitivity. This was a delicate balance to strike in the 1990s, where LGBTQ+ characters were often reduced to caricatures or sidelined in narratives that were not truly theirs.

Cleo’s toughness and streetwise demeanor were matched by her moments of vulnerability, particularly in her interactions with the other women in the film. Latifah’s portrayal brought depth to Cleo, showing that behind her hardened exterior was a woman fiercely loyal to her friends, capable of deep love and compassion. This complexity made Cleo relatable, a character who could not be easily categorized or dismissed. Latifah’s nuanced performance ensured that Cleo was not merely a stereotype but a fully realized human being, grappling with her circumstances and making choices that, while often morally ambiguous, were understandable given her life experiences.

Physical Transformation and Action Scenes

Portraying Cleo required Latifah to undergo a significant physical transformation. Known for her glamorous image as a rapper and television star, Latifah had to strip away much of that persona to embody Cleo’s tough, no-nonsense attitude. The character’s distinct look—cornrows, baggy clothes, and a swagger that oozed confidence—was a far cry from Latifah’s public image at the time. This transformation was essential not just for the visual authenticity of the character, but for Latifah to fully immerse herself in Cleo’s world.

In addition to the physical transformation, Set It Off was an action-heavy film that demanded a level of physicality that Latifah had not previously explored in her acting career. The film’s intense heist scenes required her to handle weapons, execute stunts, and convincingly portray a character who was as comfortable behind the wheel of a getaway car as she was holding a gun. This was a new challenge for Latifah, who had to not only train for these demanding scenes but also ensure that her performance maintained the emotional weight that the story required.

The action sequences were not merely about spectacle; they were integral to the narrative and to Cleo’s character development. Each heist, each moment of tension, pushed Cleo further into a corner, revealing more about her motivations and the lengths she was willing to go to protect her chosen family. Latifah’s ability to bring both physical intensity and emotional depth to these scenes was a testament to her commitment to the role and to the story that Set It Off sought to tell.

Breaking Personal and Industry Barriers

Queen Latifah’s decision to take on the role of Cleo was not without its risks. As a rapper transitioning into acting, she faced industry skepticism about whether she could carry a dramatic role, particularly one as intense and layered as Cleo. Latifah was stepping out of her comfort zone, moving away from the comedic roles and musical performances that had defined her career up to that point. This was a significant shift, one that required her to push her own boundaries and prove to both herself and the industry that she was capable of much more.

The role of Cleo was a stark departure from Latifah’s public persona. Known for her empowering and positive image, she was now portraying a character who was deeply flawed, entangled in criminal activities, and whose life was marked by violence and tragedy. This contrast was not lost on Latifah, who had to reconcile her own identity with the character she was portraying. It was a challenge that required her to dig deep, to find the humanity in Cleo despite the character’s darker tendencies.

Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo also challenged industry norms regarding the roles available to African American women. In an era where Black actresses were often pigeonholed into stereotypical roles, Latifah’s performance was a powerful statement about the diversity of experiences and stories that Black women could represent on screen. By taking on Cleo, Latifah was not only expanding her own repertoire but also pushing Hollywood to broaden its understanding of what Black women could be—tough, vulnerable, complex, and above all, real.

Emotional Depth and Authenticity

One of the most significant challenges Latifah faced in portraying Cleo was the emotional depth required by the role. Set It Off is, at its core, a story about loyalty, friendship, and the desperate measures that people take when they are pushed to the edge. For Cleo, these themes were particularly resonant, as her loyalty to her friends was both her greatest strength and her ultimate downfall.

Latifah had to convey the intense bonds between the four main characters—Cleo, Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith), Frankie (Vivica A. Fox), and T.T. (Kimberly Elise)—making their journey believable and emotionally impactful. The chemistry between the actresses was palpable, and Latifah’s performance was central to creating the sense of unity and desperation that drove the narrative. In scenes where the characters were forced to make heartbreaking decisions, Latifah brought a rawness and authenticity that made Cleo’s pain and anger feel real and relatable.

Balancing Cleo’s criminal actions with the audience’s empathy for her character was a significant challenge. Latifah had to ensure that Cleo was not simply a villain or a tragic figure but a person whose choices, while flawed, were driven by a genuine desire to protect and provide for those she loved. This required Latifah to tap into deep emotional reserves, particularly in scenes that dealt with themes of betrayal and loss. The scene where Cleo meets her tragic end is a prime example of this, as Latifah’s portrayal captures both the character’s defiance and her vulnerability, making her death both shocking and profoundly sad.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Cleo became an iconic character not just because of the film’s success, but because of what she represented. Queen Latifah’s fearless portrayal resonated with audiences and critics alike, making Cleo a symbol of strength, defiance, and the complexities of the human experience. The character’s impact extended beyond the film, influencing the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and women of color in Hollywood.

Latifah’s performance in Set It Off helped pave the way for more diverse and complex roles for women of color, challenging the industry to move beyond one-dimensional characters and to embrace stories that reflected the true diversity of experiences within the Black community. Cleo’s character was not just a criminal or a stereotype; she was a fully realized person with dreams, fears, and a deep sense of loyalty. This complexity was a significant departure from the often limited roles available to Black actresses at the time.

The role of Cleo also marked a turning point in Latifah’s career, solidifying her place as a serious actress who could handle demanding and multifaceted roles. It was a performance that proved her versatility and her ability to tackle challenging material, paving the way for future roles that would continue to push boundaries and redefine expectations.

Conclusion

Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo in Set It Off was a defining moment in her career, one that required her to navigate a series of unique challenges both personal and professional. From the physical transformation and action-heavy scenes to the emotional depth and authenticity required by the role, Latifah rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that was as powerful as it was groundbreaking.

Cleo’s character, and Latifah’s portrayal of her, left an indelible mark on Hollywood, challenging the industry to expand its narratives and embrace the complexities of Black women’s lives. It was a role that not only pushed Latifah out of her comfort zone but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible for women of color and LGBTQ+ characters on screen.

In the years since Set It Off, Queen Latifah has continued to break barriers and redefine her career, but Cleo remains one of her most iconic roles. It is a testament to Latifah’s talent and determination that she was able to bring such a complex and multifaceted character to life, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.