Daniel’s review published on Letterboxd:
Revolutions do not go quietly. No matter how much you force onto them. This has been proven time and time again across history. One may fall; but another will stand; and the cycle will continue in the face of death.
History has never been my strongest suit; at least in many areas. One of them is black history. From the legacy of Martin Luther King to Malcolm X and many more across the world. But these will never not be interesting.
If it wasn't time already. It is now. Daniel Kaluuya is one of the best gifts to acting in the modern age. It is hard to not love and admire him; and his performance in this goes above and beyond anything seen before.
Don't get me wrong: this is an exceptionally directed film. But if not for Kaluuya in this; it is hard to see it getting nearly as much recognition as it has received since release. Not to say it wouldn't be deserved though.
One way or another. Every single accolade for this film is more than well deserved. Not much can beat a powerful true story brought to life; when it is done in a fashion as good as this. Even if it is not really for everyone.
Let me be clear: this is a fantastic film. It is not the most compelling or riveting though. At least to me. Parts of it felt like they went by a little too quickly; without giving more time to establish this world and characters.
There could be the case of mood. Perhaps it caught me at the wrong time. And it may be far more enjoyable on rewatch. As for the initial viewing though; it was still very, very good but nothing spectacular.
Unless we are talking about specific details such as the performances. Everyone in this is so good but this must be the best of Kaluuya's career to date; and the Academy Award for this to him was given correctly.
Absolutely worth seeing. So many will still love this. When you have such gripping tension and powerful moments: it is easy for everything to fall apart. Except this was able to get elevated into something truly special.
