Something Is Killing Tate

Something Is Killing Tate is a psychological drama film released in 2008. It was produced by James Tucker and directed by Leon Lozano. The movie's main stars are Luz Beato, Tyrone Caprice, and Joshua Curls. It also showcases the performances of Jocko Sims, Johnny Gill, and Liris Crosse who deliver engaging performances in supporting roles.

The film mainly revolves around Tate, portrayed by Jocko Sims, a young African-American man who appears to lead an enviable life that others would kill to have. He works as an investment banker and lives in a fabulous home in a fancy neighborhood. Everything about his life seems perfect, but not everything is as it looks from the outside. The spotlight on his seemingly perfect life disguises the distressing truths and events buried in his past that haunt him.

Something Is Killing Tate focuses in particular on Tate's inner turmoil and struggles. Tate finds himself spiraling down an abyss of mental anguish despite his successful career and luxurious lifestyle. This represents the main conflict in the movie — the struggle of an individual who, despite the appearance of success and wealth, is suffering from deep-seated emotional pain.

Tyrone Caprice plays the role of Robert in this film. He is one of Tate's close friends, who, unlike Tate, wears his heart on his sleeve. Luz Beato, meanwhile, takes on the role of Alanna, another important character. As friends, Robert and Alanna serve to contrast Tate’s character, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The character of Tate, portrayed by Joshua Curls, is especially noteworthy. Despite his exterior charm and charisma, he hides a tortured soul underneath. He represents the many people in our society who wear a mask of happiness to conceal their internal struggles. Specifically, the film sheds light on the topic of mental health within prosperous African American communities, a subject often overlooked in media.

The narrative of Something Is Killing Tate unfolds gradually, peeling back the layers of Tate's character and revealing the real torment brewing inside him. His internal conflict remains the main plot driver throughout the film, often juxtaposing Tate’s elaborate outward existence against the distressing reality that belies his life.

Despite its primary focus on mental health, the movie isn’t all gloom and doom. Moments of lightness appear throughout the narrative, providing much-needed brevity in between the heavy scenes. The varied locations used in filming also provide visual breathers for viewers.

The film is a powerful cocktail of difficult emotions, intense drama, and raw performances. The direction by Leon Lozano maintains the delicate balance between the narrative's tense moments and lighter interludes. Lozano secures excellent performances from the entire cast that add more depth to the characters and increase the film's overall emotional impact.

The cinematography, under the keen eye of Chris Kistan, beautifully encapsulates a wide range of emotions, from joy and contentment to despair. The musical score, composed by Brian Liesegang, encapsulates the mood of each scene and perfectly complements the various moods that the narrative traverses.

Something Is Killing Tate is more than a psychological drama; it is a sober commentary on the mental health issues hidden beneath the veneer of prosperity, particularly in the African American community. It's a thought-provoking film that seeks to shed light on the struggles of individuals who are grappling with unseen on-going battles while maintaining a facade of happiness for the world. As a piece of cinema, it effectively blurs the line between stark realism and gripping storytelling, thereby providing viewers an emotionally charged, yet reflective viewing experience.

The movie isn’t intended as an easy watch but instead presents an insightful perspective on life's dichotomies and the often misunderstood world of mental health. The performances, especially by Beato, Caprice, and Curls, are commendable and are worth a watch for anyone interested in delving into the exploration of emotional dichotomies of seemingly perfect outward lives. The interplay of darkness and light throughout the film makes it a gripping tale of survival and courage, despite life’s persistent trials.