If Beale Street Could Talk
Film
Review by Kam Williams
In
1974, James Baldwin published “If
Beale Street Could Talk,” a love story, set in Harlem, about a
beleaguered black couple's pursuit of the elusive American Dream.
Many critics consider the heartrending novel Baldwin's best work,
perhaps because of the way in which it humanizes an array of
African-American characters ordinarily marginalized and relegated to
the shadows of society.
Now,
Barry Jenkins, director of 2017's Oscar-winning Best Picture,
Moonlight, has brought a faithful adaptation of the revered classic
to the big screen. The poignant coming-of-age tale co-stars Kiki
Layne as 19 year-old Tish Rivers and Stephan James as her 23 year-old
fiance', Fonny Hunt.
At
the point of departure, the star-crossed lovers are already behind
the proverbial 8 Ball. Narrator Tish informs us that her beau, an
aspiring sculptor, has recently been arrested for rape. Then, during
a jailhouse visit, she lets him know through the frustrating glass
partition that he's going to be a father.
Fonny
takes the news of the pregnancy in stride, which is more than can be
said for his family, especially his disapproving mother (Aunjanue
Ellis) and sisters (Dominique Thorn and Ebony Obsidian). Fortunately,
Tish's feisty mom, Sharon (Regina King), is up to the challenge of
getting everybody to stop pointing fingers self-righteously in favor
of focusing on the blessing of a baby that's coming.
Meanwhile,
Fonny's impending trial looms large. For, despite an airtight alibi,
he was ostensibly framed by a racist cop (Ed Skrein) capable of
cavalierly framing a black man for a crime he didn't commit.
Hope
for justice rests with getting the alleged rape victim (Emily Rios)
who fingered Fonny at the direction of Officer Bell to tell the
truth. But she's moved to Puerto Rico, making the prospect of her
recanting in court unlikely, unless Sharon is willing to go to
extraordinary lengths in quest of exoneration.
All
of the above unfolds in fascinating fashion against a variety of
visually-captivating backdrops. Kudos to Barry Jenkins for crafting
another compelling inner-city saga, and especially for coaxing a
career performance out of Regina King, a shoo-in for an Oscar
nomination.
Excellent
(4 stars)
Rated R
for profanity and sexuality
Running
time: 117 minutes
Production
Studio: Plan B Entertainment / Annapurna Pictures / PASTEL
Studio:
Annapurna Pictures
To
see a trailer for If Beale Street Could Talk, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4m3t3G3Zqc
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