August The First

The 2007 film "August The First" unveils as a dramatic family story entangled in the complexities of emotional relationships, personal dilemmas, and the haunting shadows of the past. Set against the backdrop of a joyous graduation party, the film beautifully juxtaposes the celebratory ambiance with the somber undercurrent of unresolved conflicts and hidden secrets.

The film is centered on the unfolding drama of the upper middle-class African-American family, dutifully called the Ibirinde clan. It opens with the family preparing for the graduation day of Tunde, the youngest member of the family, played by Ian Alsup. The atmosphere is of subdued excitement, typical of grand family gatherings, but tangle of emotions lurk just underneath the surface.

Tunde, the bright and ambitious youngest sibling, is to graduate from college, an achievement the Ibirinde family takes immense pride in. The arrival of their problematic, often-abandoned patriarch, Dipo, played by Dennis Rubin Green, unexpectedly shakes the dynamics of the entire family scene. Dipo, who disappeared from their lives ten years ago, returns with a sober promise of reconciliation and a desperate plea to be part of the family once again. His presence ignites a wave of suppressed emotions, hidden resentments, and past difficulties that the family has strived hard to push under the rug of their collective memory.

Simisola, Tunde's mother, played by Kerisse Hutchinson, stands as a firm maternal figure coping with the sudden intrusion of her estranged husband. She is a strong, independent woman who has raised all her kids single-handedly after her husband's abrupt departure. Simisola, like any protective mother, is skeptical about Dipo's sudden reappearance and uncertain if he truly promises to bring any good to her family.

The story remarkably sets up the quintessential family reunion portrait, only to slowly knock down each layer, revealing the anguished worms beneath the cheerful apple. Embedded in the screenplay is the lurking question of whether the family will accept Dipo's will to integrate back into their lives, or his return will only reignite the wounds that have barely healed.

"August The First" is a stirring tale of personal confrontation, the struggle for acceptance, and the desperate search for redemption. It is an unforgettable exploration into the depth of human emotions, familial ties, and the turmoil it takes to accept past mistakes, repent and renew oneself.

Ian Alsup, as the excited yet anxious Tunde, captures the essence of a young man standing at the cusp of dreams and despair. His acting prowess shines in portraying complicated emotions with composure and ease. Dennis Rubin Green, as the estranged father, convincingly embodies the conflicting emotions of regret and longing, offering a brilliant portrayal of a man seeking a second chance. Kerisse Hutchinson is emotive, resolute, and powerful in her portrayal of Simosola, the rock-solid mother figure coping with layered emotions and past trauma.

Directed by Lanre Olabisi, "August The First" is a potent emotional drama with a screenplay that deftly unfolds amidst the fine nuances of inner confrontations and silent revelations. The film is packaged with strong performances, real-world situations, and a script that cuts through the surface, delving deep into the intricacies of familial dynamics, trust, abandonment, and ultimately, the pursuit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The movie is an emotional rollercoaster ride, inviting viewers on an intimate journey through the unspoken trials and tribulations of the Ibirinde family, making "August The First" a compelling watch. For an audience that appreciates nuanced story-telling, layered characters, and emotional depth, "August The First" is a film that holds the potential to captivate, stir, resonate, and likely stay with them for a long time.