[yasr_overall_rating]
While on probation, a black man begins to re-evaluate his relationship with his volatile best friend.
A first time out for director Carlos López Estrada, “Blindspotting” is the summer movie that had me thinking about it for hours afterward. Written by the two main stars, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, “Blindspotting” tells the story of two best friends: one a formerly incarcerated felon and the other a dopey street urchin, both from Oakland but both with different problems. The character of Collin, played by Daveed Diggs, has three days left on his probation. In those three days, he witnesses a police shooting, dragging him into a spiral he never previously knew.
The key to this is Daveed and Rafael’s chemistry and the love they have for Oakland. The movie brings more apt comedy to the screen than I’ve seen so far this summer and it’s all because of the tongue and cheek banter between Daveed and Rafael. Whether they’re rapping on their way home from a party or moving furniture together for a crazy photographer they’re there to have fun. We buy their camaraderie and friendship, and that’s what makes it so heartbreaking when things go sideways.
The crux of this story feels intensely personal: Daveed has three days left on probation to not screw up. His best friend, a product of the hood, might ruin it for him. We know who’s side to take but tragedy underlies both characters. The story of these two men: one black, one white is also the story of Oakland.
The movie’s portrayal of Oakland sharply contrasts Oakland Proper with Oakland Gentrified. As our two protagonists complain about the overtaking of their home by “transplants,” the issue becomes incredibly clear: the gentrification of Oakland is smothering the real residents. This is made abundantly clear in the kale juice their corner store sells at outrageous prices. It’s expensive. It’s unnecessary. It’s sold at a place that never sells that kind of stuff. Rafael’s character Miles rages against the taking over of his hood, but Daveed’s character shrugs it off.
Rafael’s honest portrayal of a white man living and growing up in a black neighborhood feels honest. With an impostor complex, Miles tries his hardest to belong. While Collin’s struggle is different, he recognizes in Miles’ efforts to be from the hood he acts like the caricature painted of all black people. Collin understands this even as he drowns under the pressure created by himself to live an honest life. A convicted felon and a black man he knows makes him an easy target. To not be a stereotype seems transparent, but he wonders why the police shot the black man just outside his truck.
It’s a dense movie with incredibly interesting epithets on race and culture. Addressing the contrast between real street culture and popularized street culture. Simultaneously, “Blindspotting” weaves in lyrical compositions dense enough that, by the finale, you don’t need to know everything Collin’s saying you know it’s profound. A true love letter to Oakland and Hip-Hop this movie takes you to the limits of your tolerance but offers you love and laughter along the way.
With a unique styling of color and cinematography, the movie feels both staged and honest. When Miles and Collin fight it’s a messy, circling camera move with the focus failing to keep up. When they’re in their friend’s car though, the camera stays perfectly level. Every move feels motivated and captures the emotion of the scene. With a few very special dream sequences peppered in, we start to understand this isn’t just a single movie lecture on race or racial intersections but a glorious roving portrait of a black man’s life after his conviction.
I have only seen a few movies this summer that truly garnered my praise in a sincere manner. I respect the craft of some and the content of others. This movie aligns craft with content to perfectly carry the audience through its joys and sorrows. I say it’s uplifting, heart-wrenching, brave in its content, and bold in its aesthetic. “Blindspotting” is a unique film and I heartily recommend everyone go see it in theaters right now!
In theaters Friday, July 27th
