I don't understand all the 1/10 reviews for this film. Although I am a middle-aged white guy, I didn't think this film was promoting racism against me. Rather, it was an exploration of a very real phenomenon - African-Americans sometimes "code-switch" or feel pressured to act differently when among a mostly-white crowd. And the reasons for these pressures have to do with prejudices - both subtle and overt - deeply ingrained in society.
I particularly enjoyed Justice Smith's performance in this film. He very well portrayed a young man with low self-esteem finding his voice and his power. He also discovers that only doing what it takes to survive (the way the American Society operates) can also harm his sense of self, even preclude him from pursuing a relationship. Life involves taking risks, and a pure focus on survival (the way the American Society works its magic) can lead to missed opportunities - in work and in love.
Some other reviews focus on feelings of "discomfort" during the movie. To me, that was the entire point! Racism and race relations are inherently uncomfortable topics, especially for those who aren't involved in civil rights activism.
I think fewer people would be racist if they were to experience that discomfort, because out of that is borne empathy for others.
I particularly enjoyed Justice Smith's performance in this film. He very well portrayed a young man with low self-esteem finding his voice and his power. He also discovers that only doing what it takes to survive (the way the American Society operates) can also harm his sense of self, even preclude him from pursuing a relationship. Life involves taking risks, and a pure focus on survival (the way the American Society works its magic) can lead to missed opportunities - in work and in love.
Some other reviews focus on feelings of "discomfort" during the movie. To me, that was the entire point! Racism and race relations are inherently uncomfortable topics, especially for those who aren't involved in civil rights activism.
I think fewer people would be racist if they were to experience that discomfort, because out of that is borne empathy for others.