We are living in tough times. Tough, divisive times. And, I've noticed many films in which filmmakers have subjugated most of their opportunity to unfold a story that has been conveyed in many outlets this year. I know some may be tired of this topic about racial inequality or division between societies but unfortunately, this has been going on for quite a while. I know I am because I always complain and question why do we not get along with each other, why do we not stay friends despite status, race, color, sexual orientation, etc. Many say it is a cold, cruel world and unfortunately, it is true. I'm only just one person voicing concern for not just everybody in this world but for future generations. But, we are taking this one story at a time, regardless of where it comes from: people, books, news, movies, etc. There is another story in the coming-of-age genre where the movie successfully balances both emotions and a powerful narrative to provoke lingering thoughts in our mind to perceive what is going on out there in the real world. It is a very good movie.
Starr (Amanda Stenberg) lives in a predominantly black, impoverished neighborhood in Garden Heights, where gang violence is continuously widespread. She lives with her mother, Lisa (Regina King), her older half-brother, Seven (Lamar Johnson), younger brother, Sekani (TJ Wright) and old-school father, Maverick (Russell Hornsby), who was once part of the most violent gang in the neighborhood called the King Lords. On Starr's other side of her identity, she attends a predominantly white prep school called Williamson, where she has a white boyfriend named Chris (KJ Apa). Starr acknowledges that she and Chris get looks from girls but they are afraid to accept to say anything because of their interracial relationship.
Starr reunites with her childhood friend, Khalil (Algee Smith), as they have discussions about their childhood memories and also about Khalil's own acronym of Thug Life. Afterwards, they get pulled over by a cop named Mackintosh (Drew Starkey), because of his failure to signal his lane change and asks for his license and registration. Mackintosh mistakenly thinks Khalil is reaching out for his weapon when he is really reaching for hair comb and opens fire on him. Starr is handcuffed and cries as Khalil slowly dies.
Starr is left traumatized and haunted by the event as she is questioned. After the questioning, another officer, uncle Carlos (Common), gets both Starr and her mother aside. Starr finds out that Khalil was selling drugs for King (Anthony Mackie), leader of the King Lords. After the wake, Maverick and Carlos argue whether or not the cop should be investigated as Starr joins a protest for justice for Khalil's murder.
I was thoroughly impressed by the craftsmanship of its screenplay, how they form the timing of what kind of revelations are presented throughout the film and it is a slow, upbringing process to get any person related to an innocent person's death convicted. And, the movie is not preachy, it is more honest because of the character's feelings and the character's truth as we, the audience, goes along for the journey and get taste of what people, mostly the minorities, mainly the African-American communities, are fighting for. But, what you see in the movie is what you are seeing in reality, I'm afraid, if any character mentions the word "race" or is advocating against the system, it triggers people. This movie is an echo of people's fear and also people's strength in this country.
Amandla Stenberg has been struggling to find good projects since The Hunger Games even though I admired her performance in the forgettable Everything, Everything last year. Finally, Stenberg gives a star-making performance for this convincing, powerful role as she expresses both confusion and again, strength within her character as she balances between both in the predominantly, troubled black community and predominantly, rich white community. She displays so much confidence and vulnerability. Regina Hall is good as her mother and Common gives a surprisingly heartfelt performance providing the point-of-view from the police side. Anthony Mackie's performance of a drug lord was a bit formulaic for my taste.
Director George Tillman Jr. takes his time to process what Starr is going through and also what activity is going on ever since Khalil's death. You see activities from all sides from the communities to the law. And, you see the realism as you witness a black family attempted to be arrested as the event is being recorded. This movie is reminiscent of a great movie called Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler's directorial debut) which is about the slow build-up to the terrifying New Year's shooting. I felt like there were more conventional moments here along with a hokey ending. But, those blunders do not destroy the deserved impact that has been carried on to my psyche as this is a surprising revelation that everybody, especially in the younger demographic, needs to see and also learn.
***1/2
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