A Warner Bros Picture, Written by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Lanham, Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.
This film is based on a true story, and a shocking one. While the film is a told in a very traditional manner, following the classic formula, and lacking many visual flourishes.
However, the story is so compelling and emotionally resonant that the film didn’t really need anything more. This is such a powerful story about a few people’s fight against the establishment.
The portrayal of race relations is very well done and it paints a haunting picture of just how much progress we still need to make. The film also offers a scathing and well formed attack on the death penalty and why it is so dangerous.
Michael B Jordan provides a strong movie star turn as the heroic lawyer fighting for justice against all odds.
Oscar Winner Brie Larson has spent the last couple of years filming and promoting her two films where she plays Captain Marvel. While she is great in them films, it’s good to see her return to dramas and prove again what a talent she is. It is an unflashy performance but she makes her character seem truly kind and offers good support to B Jordan.
Jamie Foxx is probably the stand out of the cast, as he walks the difficult line of playing a good man in a bad situation, but also having to show just how much damage his experiences have already done to him, and I wish Foxx had been a bigger player in this awards season.
Rob Morgan has a small but pivotal role, and he plays it perfectly, breaking everyone’s heart in one of the most tough to watch scenes in a long time.
This film is formulaic and by the book, but the formula is effective and the story is devastating and uplifting. This is another really good Cretton/Larson collaboration and I look forward to what is in the future for all involved.
Rating = 4/5
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