I spotted this made-for-TV film in the schedule, I instantly recognised the star of No Time to Die, who won the EE Rising Star Award at the BAFTAs, I'll be honest and say that I didn't properly investigate what this film was about and its style, but I was always going to watch it. Basically, it is about black British and American characters navigating their way through society, offering a critical perspective on the state of the nation, told in three parts. It is all played out on a single stage, mostly in the dark, occasionally in shallow water or with a screen projecting images and black-and-white footage in the background, with only changes of lighting and props, e.g., chairs, sofas, a staircase. Part One sees various characters, including solo characters, father and son, a young person with their parents, and friends and groups, all discussing racism, social issues, fighting for rights, about marches and protesting, talking about change. There is lots of swearing, fast-paced dialogue (often a bit repetitive) in poetry or rapping style, chanting, singing, some dancing, a moment of animation, photos of real-life historic events (Malcolm X on stage for example), and there is snowfall, rainfall, and leaves. Part Two sees a heated debate of racial issues between a white American teacher (Demetri Goritsas) and an American black student (Lashana Lynch). Part Three sees numerous white people (including children) in black-and-white, breaking the fourth wall, reading segregation laws from the past, all of which are shocking to consider actually happened. Also starring Doctor Who's Tosin Cole as US Young Adult, Carmen Munroe as US Elder Woman, Danny Sapani as US Adult, Nadine Marshall as Mum, Jade Anouka as UK Woman, David Gyasi as US Dad, Hayden Mclean as US Son, and Sharlene Whyte as US Mom. There is no denying that all the cast give terrific performances, and the style of the film (almost the same as the film Dogville) is memorable, I will admit I struggled to keep up with what was being said, and certain situations, but the issues that black people face in the current climate are very clear, an interesting drama. Worth watching!
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