On the night of
Director: Regina King
Cast: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis
Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., Lance Reddick, Joaquina Kalukango, Nicolette Robinson,
Release Date:
Genre: Drama
Rated R for language throughout
Runtime: 1 h 54 min
Review:
Regina King’s directorial
debut is a confident refined film that tackles some big racial issues. King displays a keen eye for setting helped
greatly by the fact that this script is adapted from a stage play confined to
one location. The dramatized
relationships and dialogue humanizes these legendary figures. The script shines by displaying layered and
nuanced people rather than demigods.
Kingsley Ben-Adir leads the foursome of the actors
at the center of this film. His
performance as Malcom X is an impressive turn which is sure to lead to awards
chatter. He’s the beating of heart of
the story but that doesn’t mean any of the supporting players are
outshined. Eli Goree delivers an equally
impressive turn as Cassius Clay where he’s able to capture his spirit and sound
to an uncanny degree. Leslie Odom Jr.’s
Sam Cooke is a bit more challenging but it fit perfectly into his
wheelhouse. Odom Jr’s captures his
vocals while still bringing a strong sense of heart to his performance. Aldis Hodge has the least showy part but he
turns in a wonderful performance as Jim Brown.
Hodge must have put in an exceptional amount of research because he captures
the tenor of his voice perfectly along with his movements. The actor’s definitely make the film work
since very little actually happens with the dialogue driving the narrative
while discussing important issues that have modern day relevance. There’s a sense of hope and melancholy
engrained through every frame of the story that makes every word have more impact
and resonance with the film leaving a lasting impression.
A
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