Blindspotting (2018)

Set in Oakland, California, a convicted African American felon (Daveed Diggs) has three days to go on his probation. But the reckless behavior of his volatile white best friend (Rafael Casal) just might get him back in prison. Written by Diggs and Casal and directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada. This potent film seems fresh and original with its own perspective. You keep expecting the cliches and you think you know where it's going but it surprises you at almost every turn. Which is not to say I didn't have any problems with it. Sadly, like too many recent good films it botches the ending so badly that it near ruins the film. HEREDITARY and FIRST REFORMED also come to mind. This is a pity because what comes before it is terrific stuff. But it's not just the ending, a rap speech in a contrived situation that comes off as phony when everything before it seems raw and real. Casal's performance doesn't always ring true either. I don't think it's the script, another actor might have blended the performance more naturally with the same script. The film makes sharp observations on gentrification and indirectly on white privilege. Diggs is excellent as is Janina Gavankar as his ex-girlfriend. With Wayne Knight, Tisha Campbell Martin (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) and Jasmine Cephas Jones.