American Son

American Son, directed by Kenny Leon and released in 2019, is a gripping drama that focuses on the racial bias and societal partitions that influenced America's practices. The movie stars the talented Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, and Jeremy Jordan showcasing their splendid acting abilities. The film is a cinematic adaptation of the eponymous Broadway play that tugs at the viewers' heartstrings through the riveting narrative and earnest performances.

American Son centers on an estranged interracial couple, Kendra (Kerry Washington) and Scott (Steven Pasquale), and the tension they face as they grapple with the disappearance of their teenage son. The story unrolls in a single location - a Miami Police Department waiting area, crafting a tense, suspenseful and claustrophobic atmosphere that adds depth to the tale. The players maneuver through the narrative in real-time as each minute contributes significantly to the narrative’s progression.

Kerry Washington's character, Kendra, is an African American psychology professor married to Scott, an FBI agent, portrayed by Steven Pasquale. The couple has not seen their 18-year-old son Jamal since the previous night, and Kendra, suspicious of the ominous silence enveloping his whereabouts, shows up at the police station to file a report.

Scott, on the other hand, possesses a seemingly indifferent and calm disposition that conflicts with the seriousness of the situation. His dismissive nature and inability to comprehend the severity due to his privilege and confidence in the system offer a stark contrast to Kendra's fears, reflecting the prevailing racial divide that looms over the narrative.

Introducing Officer Paul Larkin, played by Jeremy Jordan, a young cop that appears amiable yet showcases a latent, terrifying obliviousness to his own racial bias. Larkin's naive interaction with Kendra introduces the overarching theme of racial bias, prejudice, and discrimination through heartbreaking realism. As the only initial authority figure present, Larkin becomes the mediator for the audience, representing a system fueled by prejudices and biases that make the situation more heart-wrenching.

Throughout the film, American Son explores the realities of parental anxiety and the palpable fear experienced by the parents of BIPOC children in the United States, who suffer from the unpredictable repercussions triggered by the racial and societal divide through its organic conversation. The film forces the audience to introspect their inherent biases by laying bare a harrowing reality coated in horrifying, camouflaged casualness.

The movie tackles grave themes such as racial prejudice, police profiling, and struggles of interracial marriage delicately, yet boldly, displaying the societal travails too often brushed under the carpet, sometimes quite literally, in broad daylight. The narrative deconstructs the notion of privilege, implicit bias within the police system, and division within interracial relationships in the face of crisis to create an uncanny, distressing but honest depiction of America.

Washington’s performance stands out as she portrays Kendra’s deep-seated fear and frustration accurately, providing a heartbreaking portrayal of a mother afraid for her son's safety in a world that might judge him for his skin color. Pasquale’s stoic denial of the ingrained systemic bias and Jordan’s depiction of a blissfully ignorant officer add multiple dimensions to the narrative, enhancing the film’s impact.

American Son's dialogues maintain a fighting edge, revealing a grim reality cloaked in smooth conversations. The dialogues slow burn their way through the narrative, representing an America that struggles to communicate across identity boundaries. The omnipresent tension in the narrative is juxtaposed with sporadic outbursts of despair and rage, which creates a volatile atmosphere that remains etched in the viewer’s memory long after the credits have rolled.

American Son is as much America's cultural mirror as a cinematic experience capturing the omnipresent racial tensions stemming from the society's lack of understanding and empathy. The film is etched with haunting realism that leaves the viewers to ponder over a system that continues to racially profile individuals, making it a watch that transcends beyond entertainment.

The film navigates through different perspectives on the racial divide, capturing the characters' oscillation between despair, helplessness, anger, and fear. The movie exhibits a brave, unflinching look at the complexities of race and family in a divided society. It leaves lingering questions about the societal gaps in understanding, ultimately providing a poignant cinema experience that reiterates the need for introspection and empathy.