Written and Directed by Ryan Coogler his debut film, based on a true story, depicts the events leading up to the Fruitvale (BART station) shooting.
Set in Hayward, California, the film opens with actual phone footage taken by one of the many train passengers who witnessed the shooting. The film then goes on to tell the story of Oscar Grant III on that day, from looking after his daughter, moving away from dealing and trying to find a new job to finally ending with the shocking and tragic event that took place that New Years’ Eve.
Michael B. Jordan is outstanding as Oscar Grant, portraying the real man honestly and respectively, with just one day. The rest of the cast are uniformly excellent. Melonie Diaz is superb as the at times exasperated but equally forgiving girlfriend with Octavia Spencer equally powerful as Oscar’s loving but world weary mother.
The film displays a confidence in its story by avoiding a bloated plot and running time that most other films suffer from in a desperate attempt to give the appearance of importance. The film also has the strength of its convictions too, as it never slips into sentimentalism or melodrama, even as its draws to its emotionally ending.
There are a couple of plot contrivances that lead directly to the shooting, but this is a minor criticism for a film that tackles such a shocking subject with such care and sensitivity. As a result of the film’s unfussy approach it never loses sight of Oscar’s story and most important Oscar Grant III the man.
An outstanding piece resonating with integrity and humanity made by an equally new and exciting director. This is a film and a story that should be seen by everyone.
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