Four

Four is a compelling 2012 drama movie, directed by the highly skilled Joshua Sanchez and featuring an ensemble cast, including E.J. Bonilla, Emory Cohen, Aja Naomi King, and Wendell Pierce. It focuses on a quartet of characters who negotiate the intricate parameters of their particular lifestyles on a single, sweltering Fourth of July night. Each lead character in the narrative is dealing with their own separate personal struggles in the context of the society they inhabit.

The intricate weaving of personal stories and social realities makes Four a film that beautifully brings to life the complexities of human existence. This drama draws its essence and strength from the diverse personal narrative fronts which revolve around secret romantic relationships, parental struggles, sexual experimentalism, and the exploration of personal identity.

We are introduced to Joe, an African American middle-aged man played by Wendell Pierce, a loving father and highly respected figure in his community but who is leading a double life, hiding his homosexuality from his near and dear ones. The very fabric of his existence undergoes a wave of change when he decides to meet a young white man named June, played by Emory Cohen, whom he has been chatting with on the internet.

June is a conflicted teenager going through the throes of adolescence, struggling with his own identity and dealing with the perplexity it all brings. He battles an array of emotions and struggles to understand and define his sexual orientation. His character is a symbol of the misunderstood teenage angst led astray by the lack of communication and understanding in society.

In another part of the town, we meet Abigayle, played by Aja Naomi King, a promising young woman who has been entirely burdened by the care of her sick mother. Her life has been devoted entirely to her family and the obligations it brings, leaving her with very little time to explore and understand herself. Her life takes a twist when she meets a charming basketball player, Dexter, a young Latino man played by E.J. Bonilla. Abigayle's character is the embodiment of sacrifices and the struggle of defining life beyond family responsibilities.

Dexter, a high-spirited young man, looks at life in a more adventurous and zestful way, which stands out in heavy contrast to Abigayle's rather monotone circumstances. He is grappling with the mixed feelings of his own emerging adulthood, the pressures of his cultural background, and a young love that is beyond his understanding.

The essence of Four resides not just in the individual lives of its characters, but in the interactions across their respective worlds. The deeply layered characters struggle and grapple with the complexities of their existence and interpersonal relationships on the volatile front of secrecy, deception, and self-discovery. This feature-film adaptation of the Christopher Shinn's revered play, presents us with a well-crafted narrative and commendable performances that deliver an emotional experience for the audience.

The brilliance of Four lies in its tuning with reality, communicating the struggles of all-nighters grappling with the implications of their decisions and actions in everyday life. It is a deeply affecting portrait of flawed but relatable human beings living on the edges of societal norms and expectations.

The cinematography of Four is subtle yet striking, capturing the ambiance and tension of a summer night perfectly. The intermingled lives of these four characters in the dimly lit cityscape provide a backdrop that perfectly captures the state of turmoil each character is facing.

Despite the tragic and complex lives of these characters, Four is not a movie of despair but rather a portrayal of hope and resilience. It explores the complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships and the struggle for acceptance, understanding, and love. It is a thought-provoking movie that offers a nuanced look at the human struggles of love, deception, denial, and acceptance under a societal lens.

In conclusion, Four is a beautifully constructed drama exploring the intersecting lives of its complex characters, portraying the underrepresented aspects of human existence. It is an intense, gritty, and unflinchingly honest movie that explores the nuances of the human heart and the struggles of marginalized characters within society.