Luce

The 2019 movie Luce is a socio-political thriller directed by Julius Onah. It stars Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. The film is an adaptation of an off-Broadway play of the same name penned by J.C. Lee who also co-wrote the screenplay. The narrative straddles between drama, suspense, and racial commentary, crafting an intense psychological thriller that scrutinizes the American ideal of success and the pressure exerted on young individuals to fit into the society's standards of perfect.

The film revolves around Luce Edgar, an African immigrant from war-torn Eritrea, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., who is adopted by a white suburban couple, Amy and Peter Edgar, portrayed by Naomi Watts and Tim Roth respectively. They provide Luce with a comfortable upbringing in Arlington, Virginia, a high-achieving school, and offerings of a myriad of opportunities. Luce, a track star with a brilliant academic record, is the epitome of the perfect teenager, personifying the American Dream.

However, the ideal veneer starts cracking when Luce's history teacher, Harriet Wilson, played by Octavia Spencer, stumbles upon a disturbing essay written by him. The assignment, meant to understand different political viewpoints by writing in the voice of a historical figure, takes an unsettling spin when Luce chooses a violent revolutionary. Harriet, particularly vigilant due to past experiences, suspecting a potential threat, discusses these concerns with Luce's adoptive mother, which upsets the equilibrium of Luce's hitherto perfect life. The series of events that unfurl begin to question everything his parents thought they knew about their 'golden boy'.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a ride where the truth is hard to discern. As the tension escalitates between Luce's parents, his teacher Harriet, and Luce himself, the film questions the constructs of identity, privilege, prejudice and expectations. The charisma of Luce drags everyone, including the audience, into an intriguing debate between bias and truth.

Kelvin Harrison Jr., as the eponymous character, delivers a captivating performance, bringing a charismatic yet potentially inscrutable character to life. The possibility of him being a charming model student or a cunning manipulator keeps the audience unsettlingly engaged.

Naomi Watts as Amy Edgar, the caring and dedicated mother, shines with a nuanced performance that captures the growing dread and confusion of a mother whose faith in her son is tested. Tim Roth portrays Peter Edgar, the father who, interestingly enough, is mirrored from his role in a previous Onah and Roth collaboration, "Funny Games". While less involved, Roth effectively presents the quiet concern and subtle suspicion of a father whose son's façade may be fading.

Meanwhile, Octavia Spencer, as Harriet, represents a character besieged by societal, personal, and professional challenges. She provides a palpable sense of tension, a teacher who walks the thin line between concern for a student and personal bias which might be influencing her judgment.

Luce is a gripping exploration into society's preconceived perceptions and how quickly it is willing to accept or become skeptical towards those who challenge the norm. It scrutinizes the undue and unrealistic pressure on today's youth to be the epitome of perfection, constantly walking on eggshells for fear of shattering this fragile image. With a thrilling narrative and commendable performances, the movie does an excellent job of bringing forth these discussions. It leaves the audience questioning, long after the final credits roll, about the perceptions we hold, the trust we place in them, and the possibly devastating implications of those perceptions. The film resonantly probes into the heart of societal expectations and the damage they can wreak on young lives.

Julius Onah in "Luce" succeeds in sparking conversations on a multitude of significant societal concerns. Yet, the movie's real success lies in its ability to let these conversations linger uncomfortably, without providing any easy answers. A thought-provoking thriller, "Luce" stands out as an uncomfortable commentary on the American Dream and the complexities of identity in contemporary society. It reflects the often-unseen struggles of those who are thrust into an unwanted, preconceived mold and the challenging battle to break free and forge their unique identity. The movie lingers in mind even after the end credits, prompting questions about identity, privilege, and the far-reaching consequences of societal expectations run amok.