“mangrove” film review

Critics praised The Trial of the Chicago 7 as a potential Best Picture contender and winner, with 90% of them lauding that Aaron Sorkin was a fantastic director, and that the performances were awards-worthy. I, generally excited by this, sat down to watch it, only to find out two hours later that it was little more than shameful Oscar bait with some sharp writing and decent performances in between. Little did I realize that the real Oscar-worthy film coming out this year would be Amazon Prime Video’s Mangrove, a timely, powerful critique on UK racism that was unfortunately presented in anthology format. That means that it sadly won’t be eligible for the Oscars, and I’m hoping it will sweep the Emmys next year. Director Steve McQueen has risen to the ranks with 12 Years a Slave and Widows, and now he’s helming all five “episodes” of the Small Axe series, which, obviously, debuted recently with this epic achievement. Starring the ever-so talented Letitia Wright, Shaun Parkes, Malachi Kirby and many more who give stellar performances in this unique take on discrimination. Seriously though, every single film on this heavy topic seems to take place in the United States, so it’s refreshing to change it up a little.

Frank Crichlow (Parkes) runs a restaurant in Notting Hill where everyone can find comfort and enjoyment without discrimination. Basically, it’s a beautiful melting pot of people from other backgrounds coming together, which, of course, the police despise. Here, it’s Constable Frank Pulli (Sam Spreull) who keeps his racist needs fulfilled by constantly breathing in, claiming that there’s been drinking without license, gambling, and more without any substantiated evidence. When the breaking and entering from the cops starts to become consistent, Frank joins forces with Altheia (Wright), a prominent figure in the Black Panther movement to protest after his friend’s son is left beaten (by cops) in the police station. Obviously, this act isn’t exactly welcome by the public, and the police take the main people involved to the courts for a riot incitement trial in 1970. As Frank and Altheia face the dirtiest of the UK law, including an obviously biased judge, and the onslaught of lies that come from the constable’s mouth, they have to defy all the odds against him.

This is where I’m truly frustrated about this being considered an anthology series. The performances are all actually awards-worthy, especially Wright and Malachi Kirby. Letitia Wright, who played Shuri in the 2018 smash-hit Black Panther, continues to have one of the most powerful and fierce screen presences of the decade, and it is infuriating that she will not have a chance at Best Supporting Actress in the Academy Awards. Shaun Parkes gave a very solid performance as Frank despite not being the total standout, and I genuinely felt for his character every time he was treated unfairly by the police, and occasionally brutally. This was especially depicted when his character is emotionally broken by the justice system, and is on the verge of pleading guilty because he simply can’t take it anymore. The other actor that I personally would nominate would be Malachi Kirby, who in the first act was mostly silent, but in the court rooms, he ignited every sequence with passion. It was extremely entertaining to see his character, Darcus Howe, absolutely rip and tear at the falsities that the police told under oath against them. I won’t spoil anything in particular in case you’re cowering in shame for not having seen the film, but all I can tell readers is that jaws will drop at this man’s performance. Despite The Academy Awards being content with ignoring these performers, I’ll not stand for it.

Steve McQueen’s direction also astounded me. I can’t wait for what’s to come since this literal god of a filmmaker just casually dropped five acclaimed movies, but Mangrove is his highest rated movie for a damn reason. It is definitely clear that this man knows how to work with his actors, and actually has a certain directorial style that wants to make audiences throw their fists up in the air with the protagonists. The issue with Aaron Sorkin’s Chicago 7 was that it was a cookie-cutter attempt at making a compelling take on a worthy subject without investing characters, directing, or even writing. In contrast to Mangrove, I felt that Sorkin was using his fame as a writer in a lame excuse for an award. On the other hand, the film I’d rather talk about is a sharply made, smoothly directed picture with two of the best performances of 2020. McQueen also wrote the film with Alastair Siddons, and the two make a powerhouse team together. Sure, Sorkin is a terrific screenwriter, but his constantly condescending dialogue can get a bit old. McQueen brings something new to the table with his screenplay that gives a distinct message of hope and uplifting spirit, which flawlessly fits the film. It gives individual dimension and real development to the characters, and isn’t a film that simply says: “the government sucks”, “the police are terrible” while expecting viewers to agree. All audiences understand that the Chicago 7 were wronged by the justice system, but what other reason is there to watch a 2 hour film about it that has nothing else to offer. Mangrove has more on its mind than pointing fingers, all while setting a new bar for writing, directing, artful visuals, and tour-de-force performances.

The final opinion is: Steve McQueen’s Mangrove marks a nearly perfect beginning to potentially five episodes of greatness in the Small Axe anthology, and gives a total showcase to the effervescent Letitia Wright and newcomer Malachi Kirby as well as telling a powerful, refreshing take on racism.

"Mangrove" Kicks Off Amazon Prime Video's Anthology Series with an Absolute Bang

“mangrove” film review

IN THIS ARTICLE: