When Set It Off hit theaters in 1996, it wasn’t just another heist film. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the movie quickly set itself apart with its potent blend of action, drama, and an unflinching look at the socioeconomic conditions faced by four African American women. These women—played by Jada Pinkett (as Stony), Queen Latifah (as Cleo), Vivica A. Fox (as Frankie), and Kimberly Elise (as Tisean)—each find themselves pushed to the brink by financial desperation and systemic injustice. They make the decision to rob banks, not out of greed but survival, forming the emotional core of the film.
Set It Off struck a chord, not only for its pulse-pounding action sequences but also for its poignant commentary on race, class, and the limited options available to Black women in a system that often turns its back on them. In the years since its release, the film has become a cultural touchstone, paving the way for greater Black representation in Hollywood, particularly within genres that historically sidelined Black actors.
At the heart of Set It Off is Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo, a bold, brash, and unapologetically masculine character who defied gender norms and challenged the traditional boundaries of how Black women were portrayed on screen. Cleo, the car-stealing, gun-wielding badass of the group, remains one of the most memorable and groundbreaking characters in modern cinema. Through Cleo, Queen Latifah took a significant step in her career, transitioning from rapper to a bona fide movie star, while breaking new ground for queer representation and strong women in film.
Queen Latifah’s Role as Cleo
Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo Simms was revolutionary, not only for the boldness of the character but also for what it represented at the time. Cleo, an openly lesbian woman, stood out in a Hollywood that rarely gave voice to characters who stepped outside the norms of gender or sexuality. She wasn’t just included to serve as the token queer character; instead, Cleo was integral to the plot and the emotional dynamics of the film. Latifah’s ability to balance Cleo’s tough, street-smart persona with moments of vulnerability added incredible depth to the character.
As Cleo, Queen Latifah redefined what toughness and femininity could look like on screen. The character was a departure from stereotypical roles offered to women, especially Black women, in Hollywood. She wasn’t hyper-sexualized or confined to a motherly or subservient role. Cleo was assertive, self-assured, and unafraid to take charge. Her gender expression and sexual orientation were treated as part of who she was, not something that needed to be explained or justified. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Cleo represented a rare and empowering figure—someone who could be both masculine and emotional, aggressive and loving.
Cleo’s uniqueness went beyond her sexuality. Her persona, the way she carried herself, and her loyalty to her friends were central to the film’s emotional resonance. She represented a different type of Black female character in cinema—one who was not afraid to take up space, challenge norms, and live unapologetically on her own terms.
Impact on Queen Latifah’s Career
Before Set It Off, Queen Latifah was best known as a rapper and hip-hop artist, having made a name for herself with hits like “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Ladies First.” Her music was already celebrated for its messages of empowerment, especially for women of color, but her role in Set It Off marked her official crossover into Hollywood. While she had previously dabbled in acting, appearing in the popular sitcom Living Single, Set It Off proved that she was capable of carrying a film role with the same confidence and charisma that had made her a star in the music world.
Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo earned her widespread acclaim, with many critics and audiences praising her for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the role. This performance opened doors for Latifah in Hollywood, transitioning her from a musician who acted on the side to a serious and bankable actress. Over the years, Queen Latifah would go on to star in major films like Chicago (2002), which earned her an Academy Award nomination, and Beauty Shop (2005), cementing her status as a versatile performer.
For Latifah, Cleo was not just another role—it was a career-defining moment that showcased her ability to take on complex characters. The success of Set It Off proved that she could excel in dramatic roles just as much as she could in lighter fare or comedies. Moreover, her portrayal of Cleo allowed her to further challenge and break down the stereotypes that often limited Black actresses in Hollywood, making her one of the most versatile and enduring stars of her generation.
Cleo’s Character Arc
Cleo’s character arc in Set It Off is one of loyalty, survival, and ultimately, tragedy. From the beginning, Cleo is portrayed as fiercely loyal to her friends, willing to do whatever it takes to protect them. Her motivations for joining the bank heist stem not only from her own financial desperation but also from a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie with the other women. Cleo’s primary desire is to take care of her girlfriend and live a life free from the struggles of poverty.
However, as the heists become more dangerous, Cleo’s character also reveals layers of internal conflict. She is simultaneously a fighter and a survivor, yet also aware that their plans are becoming increasingly risky. While her bravado often masks her underlying vulnerability, moments of quiet reflection—such as the intimate scenes with her girlfriend—showcase Cleo’s softer side and give the audience a glimpse into her emotional depth.
Cleo’s arc ultimately ends in tragedy, with her death marking one of the film’s most harrowing moments. However, even in her final scenes, Cleo remains true to who she is—defiant, fearless, and loyal to the end. Her last stand against the police is not just a physical fight but a symbolic one, representing her refusal to surrender or be subdued by the system that has oppressed her and her friends.
Cultural and Social Impact
Set It Off was more than just a heist film; it was a landmark for Black representation in Hollywood. The film’s depiction of four Black women as the central characters, each with their own unique motivations and struggles, was a rare and powerful statement. Hollywood, at the time, was not accustomed to giving such complex roles to Black women, especially in genres typically dominated by white men.
The film’s exploration of systemic issues, such as racism, poverty, and police brutality, resonated deeply with audiences, particularly those who saw their own struggles reflected in the characters’ lives. Set It Off provided a space where Black women could be seen as more than just side characters or stereotypes. They were fully realized individuals, grappling with real-world problems in a way that was both relatable and deeply moving.
Cleo’s character, in particular, was groundbreaking for queer representation in mainstream cinema. At a time when LGBTQ+ characters were often relegated to minor roles or played for comic relief, Cleo was a fully developed, complex character who defied conventions. Her unapologetic masculinity and her relationship with her girlfriend were portrayed with a level of respect and authenticity that was ahead of its time.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Filming Set It Off was not without its challenges. The action sequences, in particular, required intense preparation, especially for Queen Latifah, who had to transform herself into the tough, no-nonsense Cleo. Latifah has spoken in interviews about how she prepared for the role, noting that she drew from her own experiences growing up in Newark, New Jersey, and the toughness she had to cultivate in her personal life.
The film’s director, F. Gary Gray, was also instrumental in shaping Cleo’s character, allowing Latifah to bring her own ideas and interpretations to the role. Gray’s direction allowed the actresses to explore the emotional depths of their characters, ensuring that the film was as much about the personal struggles of the women as it was about the heist itself.
Behind the scenes, Queen Latifah bonded with her co-stars, Jada Pinkett, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise, forming real friendships that translated onto the screen. The camaraderie between the actresses was palpable, adding to the film’s authenticity and emotional weight.
Legacy of Queen Latifah’s Role
Cleo remains one of the most iconic characters in modern film history, not only because of her distinct personality but also because of what she represented. For many, Cleo was a symbol of strength, resilience, and the refusal to conform to societal expectations. Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo has had a lasting influence on Hollywood, particularly in the way it opened the door for more diverse and complex roles for women, especially Black women.
In the years since Set It Off, many films have sought to replicate the success of having strong female leads in action-driven plots, but few have managed to capture the same emotional intensity and depth that Set It Off did. Cleo’s character, in particular, has become a cultural touchstone, referenced in everything from music videos to fashion, as a symbol of empowerment and defiance.
Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Cleo also helped redefine the possibilities for women in film. No longer confined to traditional or one-dimensional roles, actresses like Latifah have continued to push boundaries, portraying characters that are complex, multifaceted, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
In conclusion, Queen Latifah’s role as Cleo in Set It Off was not just a pivotal moment in her career but a defining moment for Black representation in Hollywood. The film continues to resonate with audiences today, serving as a reminder of the power of storytelling to challenge norms and uplift underrepresented voices.
