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How can the life of Rob Peace be described? He was a highly intelligent African American child residing in New Jersey, raised by a dedicated mother and a father who was imprisoned for murder when he was only seven years old. Despite his intellect and passion for science, he ended up returning to his hometown and getting involved in drug dealing, leading to a tragic end at the young age of 30.
The narrative of Robert Peace’s life, as recounted by his former roommate Jeff Hobbs in the book The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, is a harrowing and unsettling one. Chiwetel Ejiofor, in his second directorial effort, has now brought this story to the big screen. Navigating through a maze of preconceptions and cliches to portray it sensitively is no easy feat. However, despite some missteps, Rob Peace, which premiered at Sundance, manages to strike a balance with its tact and empathy, making it a strong follow-up to Ejiofor’s first film, the poignant drama set in Malawi, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Like his debut, this film is earnest and emotionally charged, possibly to a fault, but it solidifies Ejiofor’s position as a dedicated director with a commercial vision. While the film may be up for sale at the festival and boasts a substantial budget and notable names in small roles – such as Mary J Blige as Peace’s mother, Camila Cabello as his girlfriend, and Ejiofor himself as his father – its enthusiastic reception at the premiere suggests it won’t be on the market for long.
Although the focus may have initially been on more popular names, it’s newcomer Jay Will’s performance as Rob that steals the show at the festival. His portrayal of Rob’s buoyant charm is a knockout, brightening every scene he’s in and convincing us of his intelligence and optimism. Despite the weight of his father’s sentence, Rob remains determined to prove his innocence and navigate through college. Will’s confident performance carries the weight of the film effortlessly, despite his lack of formal training.
However, despite our trust in Will’s guidance, Ejiofor’s writing does not always portray the same confidence in him. Unnecessary voiceovers and dialogue often repeat information that is already evident through Will’s expressions. The script also tends to overtly express the film’s themes and Rob’s struggles instead of showing them subtly. Characters frequently remind us of Rob’s inherent goodness, which is already apparent through the facts of his story and Will’s charm. While Ejiofor is a skilled director, there are moments where he overdoes it, such as an overscored first kiss or exaggerated action scenes. Similar to his writing, a more subtle approach could have been beneficial in certain moments.
Throughout much of the movie, the protagonist demonstrates a talent for knowing when to hold back. The character’s time at Yale is not overly filled with conflict, as instances of microaggressions are shown briefly but effectively. The character’s eventual downfall is portrayed plainly and without exploitation, with the actor understanding that the story can speak for itself without heavy-handedness. While one of the actors may lack depth, the other effectively portrays a conflicted father who avoids becoming a stereotypical “bad dad.” He strives for the best for his son while also expecting a lot from him. The other actor’s performance is satisfactory but not given enough attention in the busy film, resulting in a somewhat lacking emotional impact in their final scene together.
A more refined film would have utilized a gentler approach, however, Rob Peace manages to steer clear of enough pitfalls to deliver a powerful finale. Ejiofor portrays the protagonist’s downfall as a result of larger societal factors, highlighting the challenges of achieving true social mobility in their country. Through Will’s exceptional performance and Ejiofor’s unwavering dedication, Rob transforms from a stereotype into a fully fleshed out character, with support from his mother behind the scenes. It is an engaging yet unsettling tribute.
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The film “Rob Peace” will be shown at the Sundance festival and is currently looking for distribution opportunities.
Source: theguardian.com
