A Boy. A Girl. A Dream.

A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. is a captivating masterpiece of cinematic grace and raw emotion, directed by Qasim Basir and released in 2018. It stars the renowned talent of Omari Hardwick, alongside the exceedingly exquisite Meagan Good. Contributing to the acting quintessence of the film with an equally distinctive performance is Jay Ellis. Together, these actors bring life, charm, and realism to an otherwise plain night, making it a compelling narrative that seeps into the viewer's consciousness.

The story unfolds entirely over the course of one evening in Los Angeles, taking place on the night of the 2016 American presidential election. Omari Hardwick plays a character called Cass, a club promoter living in downtown LA, whose dreams are far from being realized as he struggles to find his place in the world. He utilizes his days planning lavish parties, seemingly trying to escape from the reality of his life where his potent ambitions lie dormant.

On this life-altering night, he crosses paths with Frida, a Midwestern lawyer, who's portrayed with undeniable prowess by Meagan Good. Frida is visiting her cousin in the city, trying to escape the heartbreaking reality of a failed relationship. Their chance meeting leads them to embark on an intimate journey of self-discovery and shared dreams, creating a bond seemingly made from a cosmic alignment of their paths.

Jay Ellis, playing the role of Frida's cousin, adds further complexity to the narrative with his paradoxical character. His conflicting desires and ambitions create a life full of contradictions, thereby adding a layer of depth to the storyline.

The film's simplistic yet charming narrative is brought to life by the brilliant cinematography of Steven Holleran, that adds a dash of visual magic to the storytelling. The film, which was shot in a single continuous take, provides an immersive experience as it paints the town with an evocative palette of vibrancy and melancholy.

Undeniably, it's much more than just an average boy-meets-girl story. It's about dreams, passions, ambitions and the courage that arises during the most unexpected interactions. The nighttime backdrop, amplified by the uncertain turbulence of the elections, brings a sense of urgency and tension to the story. It's a narrative that is woven with elements of politics, passion, dreams, and life's harsh realities, making the audience interpret the film from a deeply personal perspective.

Director Qasim Basir successfully manages to spark conversations about race and identity, all subtly hidden under the film's fresh and nuanced narrative. Through a love story that is as much about personal dreams as it is about shared goals, he morphs the narrative into a defiant exploration of self-identity and human connection.

Hardwick and Good deliver powerful performances, fully embodying their characters, leading to a chemistry that is hard to forget. Hardwick convincingly portrays the character of a modern-day dreamer, while Good gives an enthralling performance as a strong woman negotiating the decisions of her life. Their beautifully timed dialogues blur the lines between fiction and reality, making their performances honest and touching.

However, it's not all gloom and introspection – the film's narrative is beautifully punctuated with witty humor and endearing moments of romance which keep things light-hearted and engaging.

A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. invites viewers on a thought-provoking journey, one where they can traverse the streets of downtown LA, musing about life, love, dreams, and ambitions along the way. The narrative's unique blend of romance and reality, along with its layering of personal and national politics, makes for an intriguing watch.

Despite being set against the backdrop of an eventful night in LA, the storyline's depth spins a universal appeal, resonating with audiences beyond geographical boundaries. It unveils the power of a single night to trigger a profound transformation, one that redefines dreams and desires.

All in all, A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. is a profound film experience that allows audiences to engage with a blend of passion, dreams, and reality, all set against the gritty yet beautiful canvas of Los Angeles.