Regina King’s directorial debut, One Night In Miami, thoughtfully portrays a fictional account of a night that actually took place.
On February 25, 1964, civil rights leader Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke, NFL player-turned actor Jim Brown, and “new” world champion boxer Muhammad Ali, aka Cassius Clay, all congregate at a hotel in Miami to celebrate Clay’s (Eli Goree) boxing win.
But screenwriter Kemp Powers takes entertaining creative liberties with what happened when the cameras weren’t on the iconic foursome. Behind what intimate conversations went down in that hotel room all that one night in Miami. But what starts as a joyous celebration, shifts to a discussion of each icon’s contribution to the civil rights movement.
Sam Cooke, who is played by a charismatic Leslie Odom Jr., is perhaps the most entertaining thread that runs through the entire production as he embodies the legendary musician through mannerisms to expressions.
Per usual, Aldis Hodge demonstrates his full rage with his emotions in his stark portrayal of Brown. Very much like when he played a death row inmate in Clemency.
Kingsley Ben-Adir also offers a tour de force performance as a somber yet vulnerable Malcolm X. Recently playing former President Barack Obama in Showtime’s The Comey Rule, Adir really falls into the passionate leader he’s portraying. Malcolm is often portrayed in the group as the most opinionated and instigator of most of the fictionalized drama. But if you are familiar with his work, that tracks.
As far as the cinematography, the colors and tones are vibrant throughout. Not just in the lounges that echo Havana, Cuba during the scenes where Odom is serenading the audience with Cooke’s classics. But the colors were just sharp and rich throughout, which is visually appealing to the eye.
Kudos to Regina King for directing such an entertaining and heartfelt screenplay. It was no doubt a feat to tackle an adaption of a stage play to the big screen. But King executed it with style and thoughtful creative expression. Although, what more do we expect from the Oscar and Emmy winner?
Powers’ dialogue-driven screenplay also deserves praise. Powers did what Quinten Tarantino did with Once Upon A Time In Hollywood in telling a fictional story surrounding real events. And it works!
Yet it’s the interpersonal communication between the four powerhouse icons that is so fascinating to be seen portrayed on film. The myths personified onscreen from a personal and introspective perspective as related to race relations are exquisitely captured. Also, the camaraderie, the brotherhood, the disagreements.
Not only is it exceptionally entertaining, but it’s also insightfully inspirational–just what the world needs right now.
I had the pleasure of screening the film at a local drive-in during AFI Film Festival, but you can enjoy it on Amazon and bring a little soul in your own home on January 15.
Grade: B+