Sleight

Sleight is a 2016 American science fiction drama film directed by J.D. Dillard. The film revolves around the life of a young street magician named Bo, played by Jacob Latimore. Bo is an immensely talented individual with the ability to concoct brilliants tricks that baffle and amaze his street audiences. Seychelle Gabriel stars as Holly, the love interest, lending a softer side to the gritty tale that unfolds throughout the duration of the film. Further, the innocent and promising Storm Reid plays Bo's younger sister, Tina, bringing about an emotional depth to Bo's character.

The movie takes on an urban setting and infuses it with elements of magic, suspense and crime, cooking up an unparalleled cinematic potpourri. The film cleverly integrates real-world struggles with elements of fantasy and science fiction, bringing audiences a refreshingly inventive perspective of a young person's struggle to provide for his family.

Without revealing too much about the plot, we can say that Bo is a high school student by day and a street performer by night. However, a significant part of his earnings also come from an illegal sideline. An orphan left to take care of his little sister, Bo faces the harsh realities of life at a tender age. As the plot unfolds, the audience soon discovers that Bo’s sleight of hand isn't limited to his magic tricks; he has a dangerous side job, working for a drug dealer to make ends meet.

On the flip side, we see Bo's love interest, Holly, portrayed by Seychelle Gabriel. Meeting at one of Bo's street acts, Holly is instantly captivated by his magnetism and charm. Their bond deepens as they spend time together, leading to a budding, sweet romance. This parallel storyline adds a softer, more romantic tone to the underlying gritty atmosphere of the film.

However, Bo's life isn't all magic tricks and budding romance. Drama ensues when Bo's double life as a minor drug dealer begins to catch up with him. His employer, Angelo (played by Dule Hill), is a menacing drug lord who expects strict loyalty and obedience from his underlings. Bo's alliance with Angelo pulls him deeper into a world of crime and violence, testing the limits of his morality and threaten his freedom and those he holds dear.

The depiction of Bo’s relationship with his sister Tina, played by Storm Reid, is touching and heartfelt. As Bo is left as the sole caregiver for Tina, these segments provide an emotional depth to Bo's character that adds an extra layer to the storyline.

Meanwhile, the movie also reveals that Bo has a secret - a unique ability- which might be his ticket out of the grim life he is leading. However, to break free from his sinister ties and protect those he loves, Bo must navigate through an escalating series of dangerous situations.

Sleight combines elements of crime, love, family dynamics, and science fiction while maintaining a solid narrative that keeps audiences hooked to the very end. Director J.D. Dillard has done an excellent job of blending these genres. The added element of science fiction is not overpowering but tantalizingly subtle, inviting viewers to join in on Bo's journey, witnessing his triumphs, pitfalls and personal growth along the way.

Jacob Latimore delivers an exceptional performance making Bo's character believable as a young, burdened yet hopeful individual. Seychelle Gabriel, Storm Reid, and Dule Hill too give commendable performances, enhancing the movie’s overall appealing narrative. The script, characters, setting, and twists are coherent and well-fleshed, inviting the viewers to invest their emotions into the characters and storyline.

Sleight can be best described as an inventive urban thriller with a magical twist. Despite its seemingly ordinary premise, the film dramatically veers from mundanity into the extraordinary, blurring the lines of reality and illusion in a way that is remarkably entertaining and utterly captivating. It's a must-watch for those who love character-driven stories that are quite literally infused with a touch of magic.