Exploring Identity and Justice in Suburban America

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Grassland
–

Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): William Bermudez, Sam Friedman
Writer(s): William Bermudez, Sam Friedman, David Goldblum (story), Adam Edery (story)
Cast: Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah, Jeff Kober, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Rachel Ticotin
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the summer of 2008, America buzzed with the hopeful yet unfortunately aged slogan “Yes We Can,” GRASSLAND captures this era’s spirit through the lens of a suburban New Jersey family caught in the throes of economic and social turmoil. The film meshes the narratives of personal ambition and societal barriers, charting the journey of Sofia and her son Leo as they navigate the murky waters of illegal entrepreneurship shadowed by systemic enforcement.

GRASSLAND explores Sofia’s life, played by the compelling Mía Maestro. Sofia is entrenched in the risk/reward business of illegal marijuana sales to support her family amidst financial instability. Keep in mind, this was a different time; although weed is becoming more and more acceptable across the US, it was still very much a taboo at this time. Her world is rocked further when her son Leo, played by Ravi Cabot-Conyers, unwittingly befriends a police officer’s grandson. This new friendship serves as a pivot for the film, amplifying the tension between Sofia’s activities and the encroaching arm of law enforcement.

William Bermudez and Sam Friedman directed GRASSLAND with an eye for emotional authenticity. The film is anchored in the directors’ personal experiences, which bleed into their storytelling. Friedman channels the secrecy of his mother’s hidden cannabis operations into the narrative, infusing the film with a palpable sense of dread and urgency. Meanwhile, Bermudez’s reflections on his father’s immigrant struggles for acceptance paint a broader picture of societal displacement and the search for identity.

The performances of Quincy Isaiah as Brandon and Jeff Kober as the veteran cop add significant depth to an already remarkable cast and the film’s exploration of community and authority. Isaiah effectively communicates his character’s internal battle with society’s preconceived expectations and personal morality. Kober portrays a cop caught between duty and empathy in a role that could quickly have become one-dimensional but instead is given an uncharacteristic twist.

GRASSLAND extends its reach beyond the screen through the team’s commitment to activism. Executive producer Common is at the helm of a campaign targeting criminal justice reform. The film partners with notable organizations like Imagine Justice and The Last Prisoner Project, focusing on the often-overlooked plight of those imprisoned for minor drug offenses.

Collaborating with the lifestyle brand Shinola to launch the Grassland Runwell Watch is an innovative blend of advocacy and entrepreneurship. This initiative leverages the film’s themes to foster broader discussions on racial disparities in drug enforcement and supports community engagement through thoughtful dialogue and outreach.

Rachel Ticotin and Ravi Cabot-Conyers also deserve acclaim for their performances in the film. Ticotin, with her robust experience in dance and drama, brings a resilient, nuanced presence to her role. Despite his youth, Cabot-Conyers captures a compelling range of emotions, portraying Leo’s gradual awakening to the harsh realities encircling him.

GRASSLAND is a potent vehicle for change, reflecting how far we’ve come as a country with our acceptance and still have to go. With Bermudez and Friedman at the helm and a dedicated ensemble cast, it challenges viewers to reflect on the complex interplay of justice, family, and societal norms. This film does more than entertain—it sparks conversation and advocates for meaningful change, making it a vital piece of contemporary cinema that resonates with urgency and relevance.

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[photo courtesy of CONSCIOUS CONTACT, AGELESS PICTURES, EXIT 14]

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