Kevin (Jesse Lihau) is falling into a dark world full of hatred and violence, and his troubled past plays a massive part in who he is and what he’s becoming. A powerful figure in his life, Black (Baba Oyejide), has just been released from prison–and he, too, plays an important role in Kevin’s life. While Black is not initially welcomed back into Kevin, and his sister Kelsie’s (Lynsey Murrell), life–he will do whatever it takes to prove himself, but that might take a toll on everyone.
A Letter to Black Men does what so many films are attempting to accomplish nowadays. This film is trying to appeal to a very particular audience, and it embraces the idea of diversity as a way to appeal to viewers. What A Letter to Black Men does differently than other films that fall into this category is that it plays devil’s advocate with itself. Rather than having one very specific agenda in mind, the film looks to tell the whole story–allowing viewers to make up their own minds about what is playing out in the film. This is such a brilliant approach, because when filmmakers force their opinions down the throats of viewers it can be far too divisive–only hurting the film. The message that Writer-Director Kiosa Sukami is attempting to convey is understood and appreciated as a result of the way in which he approaches the subject.
A Letter to Black Men is incredibly dramatic, and that’s not surprising considering the title. The title is honest and straight to the point–and I think it’s fair to say that most individuals going into this film will have some idea of what to expect as a result. Viewers are presented a slew of powerful emotions, and those emotions fluctuate pretty regularly throughout the course of the film. As viewers are engulfed in a flood of emotions, the thing that allows A Letter to Black Men to continue to entertain rather than become overwhelming is the comedy. It’s not silly comedy, however, that’s used to create a balance in tone–but rather it’s incredibly whitty. The clever comedy works to create levity, but it also keeps with the idea that the things occurring throughout the film are intense and important. While the comedy creates balance throughout the entirety of A Letter to Black Men, there’s also a delicate balance that exists within the comedy–and Sukami achieves that wonderfully.
Any film that says “based on a true story” or “based on true events” somehow manages to hit different (I think that’s the way the kids use that phrase). As stories unfold, knowing that they are based on something that actually happened, I often feel more focused, more interested than I would have if those same stories were written from scratch. The stakes feel higher, and this film as a whole feels more relevant as a result. A Letter to Black Men utilizes this sentiment, and it takes a fairly simple story (one that we’ve all heard before), and it allows viewers to better appreciate what’s being said and done. A Letter to Black Men intensifies as a result of this tidbit of information–and it works well to strengthen the film as a whole.
I feel that it’s becoming increasingly rare to see a film focused on diversity, equality, politics, and/or race not to take a side. It’s becoming more and more popular that filmmakers force their thoughts and opinions on viewers–and that’s incredibly frustrating to me. With that being said, A Letter to Black Men is a breath of fresh air in this regard, because it allows viewers to form their own opinions while still being able to understand and appreciate what these filmmakers are saying. Through impeccable balance and honesty, A Letter to Black Men finds success.
Written & Directed by Kiosa Sukami.
Starring Baba Oyejide, Jesse Lihau, Adam Wright, Ashley Durant, Lynsey Murrell, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
