The Cost of Saying Sorry

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MOVIE REVIEW
Exhibiting Forgiveness
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 51m
Director(s): Titus Kaphar
Writer(s): Titus Kaphar
Cast: André Holland, Andra Day, John Earl Jelks, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Matthew Elam, G.L. McQueary
Where To Watch: coming to select theaters nationwide on October 18, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Titus Kaphar's EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS delivers an emotional experience that combines the complexities of reconciliation with the therapeutic power of art. The film, led by André Holland as Tarrell, explores the life of a painter whose past collides with the present when his father, La'Ron, re-enters his life. This reunion, charged with unresolved emotions, is portrayed with depth by John Earl Jelks in the role of La’Ron. The energy of these two on screen is palpable, an authenticity that will stick with you.

From the opening scene, Kaphar's influence as a visual artist is palpable, lending a unique aesthetic to the storytelling. His choice to incorporate his actual artwork into the film adds intrigue to the narrative, making Tarrell’s internal struggles visible and felt through his emotional battles. The artwork fills the scenes and pulses with the storyline’s themes of redemption and loss, creating an experience that enhances the film’s emotional impact.

Holland’s performance is a cornerstone of the film, capturing the essence of a man torn between the scars of yesterday and the hopes of tomorrow. His interactions with La'Ron are fraught with tension, beautifully illustrating the complex dance of forgiveness and resentment. The supporting cast, including Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Andra Day, enriches the narrative—Ellis-Taylor, as Joyce, Tarrell’s mother, acts as a conduit for healing. At the same time, Day’s portrayal of Tarrell's wife, Aisha, reflects her creative struggles and triumphs.

Cinematographer Lachlan Milne's use of light and shadow underscores the film's psychological and emotional undertones. Although the narrative pacing is intentional due to its flashbacks, these moments are crucial for depth and do not detract from the film’s overall pacing.

One aspect of EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS that warrants further discussion is its meticulous production design, which meticulously recreates environments that echo Tarrell's internal and external life. The settings reflect the protagonist's journey, from his cluttered, paint-splattered studio representing his chaotic inner world to the more subdued, orderly spaces of his home life, signaling the relative peace he seeks to achieve. These environments are backdrops and visual metaphors for the stages of Tarrell’s emotional reconciliation. The production design extends to the detailed items used throughout, each telling a story or symbolizing a moment in Tarrell’s life, enhancing the depth without the need for dialogue.

EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS is an introspective look at the challenges of mending broken bonds and the redemptive power of art. Kaphar's debut does not shy away from looking at the more complex aspects of human relationships, presenting flawed yet deeply human characters. The film challenges the viewer to reflect on the nature of forgiveness and the paths we undertake to achieve inner peace and reconciliation. Kaphar offers a movie and a moving exploration of art’s role in understanding and healing the human spirit. His film is a testament to the strength of facing one's past and the art that emerges from that confrontation.

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[photo courtesy of ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS, HOMEGROWN PICTURES, SHADE PICTURES, HUNTING LANE FILMS, DIGM ENTERTAINMENT, EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS, REVOLUTION READY]

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