One Night in Miami begs the question, is there anything Regina King can't do? After blowing us away with performances in movies like If Beale Street Could Talk and TV like Watchmen, King has released her first directorial effort and it is masterful. Sure she starts with what is clearly strong material in Powers' wonderful screenplay (based on his stageplay) but she films this story with the eye of an artist and an expert, telling a fascinating narrative about four men, each on the precipice of success in a nation that doesn't want them to be there. It is a gorgeous story that is also an examination of the American experience and it is riveting.
Movies that are just a group of people talking throughout can be a challenge to make visually compelling. King has no trouble with this. Her film is stunning to watch. The back and forth between these four men is compelling and fascinating. She makes you sit on the edge of your seat throughout.
King and Powers presents their characters as fully formed human beings with multiple dimensions, flaws and greatness all thrown together into truly engaging people to watch. They don't see eye to eye. They share a lot, they disagree on a lot. They push each other into being more and more who they are. This one night is used to explore religion, history, race, masculinity, and humanity and in the hands of such film makers it is remarkable.
This is the story of four masters, a fighter, a preacher, a musician, and an athlete, who spend one night together and through that night they make each other stronger men. We get to be the fly on the wall during such a night, on this aspirational, speculative night that moved four men who would influence the nation.
One Night In Miami
Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., Lance Reddick, Nicolette Robinson, Michael Imperioli, Beau Bridges
Director: Regina King
Writer: Kemp Powers
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