A couple on an uninspiring first Tinder date find themselves on the run from the police when they kill a racist traffic cop in self-defence.
This politically aware road movie from director Melina Matsoukas is kind of a 21st century answer to the likes of Thelma & Louise or Badlands. It shows a different side to the southern states of the U.S. here devoid of the usual mix of stetsons and rednecks, seen instead through the eyes of the black American experience. It takes pains to avoid the reductive formula of “racist white cops” versus “innocent black folk”, showing more shades of grey as no-one on either side is 100% “innocent” or “guilty”.
Like most road movies it’s very reliant on its stars, but thanks to another strong performance from Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith – as well as a scene-stealing supporting role for Bokeem Woodbine and his stable of likeable “ho’s” – it makes for an entertaining, engaging and thought-provoking off-beat crime thriller with a difference.
7.5/10
Film Noird 