Native Son

Native Son is a striking and intense drama embodifying the racial divide and social disparity seen commonly within societies, particularly within the United States. The film, directed by Rashid Johnson, was released in 2019 and is a modern-day adaptation of Richard Wright's 1940 novel with the same title. The screenplay, penned down by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, has given the novel a new life, infusing it with a unique, contemporary vibe. Major contributors to the cinematic experience of the film include the striking performances delivered by Ashton Sanders, Margaret Qualley, and Nick Robinson.

The 104-minute film is seen through the eyes of the main character, Bigger Thomas, or "Big," played by the incomparably talented Ashton Sanders. Bigger is from the south side of Chicago; his look is distinctive, marked by green hair, black leather jackets, and dark sunglasses. While he is hardworking and has big aspirations, his social and economic conditions have kept him stifled, limiting him to jobs like being a bike courier. However, things take a turn when he gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white businessman, Henry Dalton, and his family.

Big's entry into Dalton's world contributes to a thought-provoking exploration of racial disparity. The socio-economic gap is underlined on the basis of both Bigger's fascination and discomfort with the unfamiliar, polished, and extravagant world of the Daltons. The film shows Big's struggle to fit in, thereby poignantly dichotomizing the world of deprived Southside Chicago and the opulent North.

Margaret Qualley plays Mary Dalton, daughter of Henry Dalton, who complicates the narrative more by adding the element of intrigue related to interracial relationships. There are certain aspects of cultural appropriation, as Qualley's character portrays a typically privileged young woman who romanticizes the idea of rebellion and is fascinated by the rough, raw, and real side of the city through Bigger. Her boyfriend, Jan, played by Nick Robinson, is a politically active character, whose conversations and encounters with Bigger open doorways to significant narrative stretches in the movie.

What makes the movie impactful is how racism is deftly portrayed, avoiding cliched portrayals and surface-level commentary. It goes deep inside the infectious mechanics of racism that can make the vulnerable a victim while pushing them down a path they never chose. It goes deep behind the systemic issues that are so intrinsically woven into the fabric of society.

The protagonist’s name is symbolic of his expectations and aspirations, which are “bigger” than what his social circumstances allow, sending through a stark message. The oppression, the rebellion, the silent cries, and the forced criminality are themes that the movie explores with a raw earnestness delivered through impactful performances.

Rashid Johnson, known for his work as a visual artist, marks his directorial debut with Native Son, merging his unique aesthetics into the narrative, which gives a distinctive feel to the movie. Many visuals in the film, notably the scenes around Bigger's neighborhood and the Dalton's lavish home, are rendered in spectacularly contrasted ways, forming a vivid portrayal of the socioeconomic class divide that is at the heart of the film.

Moreover, Matthew Libatique's cinematography creates an immersive experience through the grandeur of the Dalton’s luxury and the vast grayness of Southside Chicago, heightening the societal disparity. It helps to bring the audience closer to reality, allowing them not only to watch, but also to experience the power dynamics that persist in society.

Native Son is a film that leaves the audience with more questions than it answers, forcing them to rethink their perspectives regarding race, class, and privilege. With power-packed performances that propel the movie forward, it arouses a sense of introspection in the audience about the systemic dynamics playing out in society, making it a must-watch for those exploring topics of race and socioeconomic disparity.

However, Native Son is more than just a commentary on the socio-economic divide. It encapsulates a broader spectrum of societal influences, where the pressure to conform and the struggle to resist becoming a byproduct of one's background take center stage. The raw, stirring narrative has the power to provoke thoughts and stir emotions, making the film a remarkable cinematic experience.