Brandon, Kriss, and Ro got together to discuss new release Luce and all agree this is one film that'll definitely get you talking. Because even after discussing it, no one is exactly sure who was running game on whom. 

Luce follows champion debater and star athlete Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) as he navigates high school under a spotlight. Luce is every adult's dream student and child. He's smart, savvy, motivated and well-liked by his peers.

Taken in by white parents (Naomi Watts and Time Roth), after a childhood in a war-ravaged country, Luce is a young man on the rise. Until a teacher (Octavia Spencer) begins to make accusations and threaten his relationship with his family and friends. Veil threats, miscommunication, and outright stupidity set in motion a series of interactions that culminate in unexpected ways. It's contemporary look and pacing make it not only engaging but feel extremely relevant on many levels. 

This is one that will leave you unsettled even as you become ever convinced it's saying something important. 

Luce Gives Stereotyping A whole New Perspective 

Based on a stage play of the same name, Luce builds its story around black identity, blackness and the expectations and limitations placed on Black people - both native-born and immigrants - in society, between Black people and based on circumstance and situation. The entire crew agrees this is one psychological ride worth watching because Luce, is a special kind of messed up. 

With a stellar performance after performance, the crew agrees Luce hardly misses a beat even when the notes don't ring true (B found more than a few situations beyond belief but that's because he's just extra sneaky) and make the entire viewing experience memorable.

This film is, once again, an example of how limited releases short change audiences. Luce opened in several major markets starting August 2, 2019. It should definitely be on your watch list and we strongly suggest you hunt down a theater to see it post-haste. 

 

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