Blindspotting (2018)

The way we're affected by longtime friendships and an ever-changing environment shouldn't be taken for granted. Modern day occurrences such as racial tensions, police brutality, gentrifications, etc can have the potential to open up wounds you would think weren't there and unleash unexpected drama. It can be difficult to think of films where topics like this can be used but it can be refreshing when a recent project comes up to take on such a feat. This brings us to Blindspotting, a comedy-drama film directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada (his first directorial feature) and written by Rafael Casal & Daveed Diggs. All I knew about this was that it was briefly in theaters (at least in my area) but didn't have much marketing surrounding it. It came to my attention when the buzz surrounding it called it a hidden gem of 2018 and has been appearing on some critics best movies of 2018 lists. I rented it on Amazon to see if how much of the critical praise was valid and was left not only ecstatic by this excellent film but dried from the tears I shed.

Plot: Taking place in modern-day Oakland, the story follows a convict on the last few days of his probations who witnesses an event that shakes up his childhood friendship. What makes this film unique is how genuine the conflict feels as perceptions of race come to the forefront in ways that induce tension and emotion. The timeframe showing the number of days left on this probation marks a countdown and escalation of the protagonists mindset in how he looks at his life following a traumatic event he encounters. The way the lead protagonists deal with their ever changing environment can get pretty funny with their charm and charisma, which fits with how they use it to cover up their deeper feelings. The ending in particular is the best way it could have ended that needs to be seen to be believed. The execution of its dramatic events are engaging to watch that it's amazing how well-balanced it is with the humor.

Characters: The people to focus on are Collin (Daveed Diggs) and Miles (Rafael Casal). Daveed's performances as a conflicted convict. Daveed's performance as this convict is amazing with the range of emotions he must handle in this life. The way he bounces off between casual relaxed meetings, pure terror in the racial prejudice nature of the streets, and his wild friendship with a childhood friends flows with perfection. Rafael is surprisingly strong here as a wild card friend that you would need to keep an eye on. The passion for life and distaste for changes that are perceived as terrible in his eyes becomes something as the performance of the actor dives deeper as the story moves forward. Not only is this Rafael's big screen acting debut but he's also real life childhood best friends with Daveed, which shows in their excellent chemistry. Honorable mentions go to Val (Janina Gavankar) and Ashley (Jasmine Cephas Jones) for their strong acting chops in vital supporting roles.

Overall Consensus: Blindspotting delivers on a brilliant traumatic premise through its great performances, balance with comedy & drama, profound themes in its storytelling, and great usage of modern racial prejudice. ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑🍿 Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes R

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of any of the aforementioned actors. You enjoy comedy-dramas regarding modern race issues. You want to see Oakland well-represented. You like main characters who can rap pretty good.

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of any of the aforementioned actors. You dislike comedy-dramas regarding modern race issues. You dislike main characters rapping.