The Intent 2: The Come Up

The Intent 2: The Come Up is a 2018 British crime-drama feature film. Directed by Femi Oyeniran and Nicky Slimting Walker, the movie is a prequel to the highly successful feature ‘The Intent’, which was released in 2016. Building on the rich narrative of the earlier story, The Intent 2: The Come Up focuses on the backstory, unravelling the circumstances and events that led to the climax of the original film.

Foremost among the stars of this dynamic crime thriller are Karen Bryson, a BAFTA-nominated actress renowned for her role in Shameless, Adam Deacon, known primarily for his roles in Kidulthood and its sequel Adulthood, and Michelle Greenidge, celebrated for her performance in After Life.

The heart of the story is centred on the character Jay, played by Oyeniran, who is a member of the infamous North London cartel of the original movie. Jay is an ambitious young man who dreams of dominating the urban crime scene. This prequel unravels how Jay's challenges, aspirations, alliances, and conflicts help to shape his destiny and that of those around him. His dreams of ruling the crime world are not so easily achieved, as he has to navigate dangerous alliances and betrayals while avoiding the ever-watchful eye of the law enforcement.

Jay's ambition takes him on a journey beyond the gritty streets of London to the exotic islands of Jamaica. The screenplay beautifully captures the contrast between the mean streets of the British capital and the lush landscapes of the Caribbean nation. The Jamaica part of the narrative introduces new characters, opening a broader perspective to the narrative and adding a richer dimension to Jay's character. It gives viewers an enthralling glimpse into international criminal operations and the intricate workings of global drug trafficking.

The film is praised for its superlative performances. Adam Deacon takes on the role of G Money, whose loyalty to Jay and the dangerous life they lead serves as one of the key driving forces of impact. Karen Bryson portrays Beverley, a character whose complex history and relationships add greater depth to the narrative. Michelle Greenidge, in her capacity as Auntie, lends the element of grounded realism and warmth to the otherwise charged storyline.

The Intent 2: The Come Up also features cameos by a host of popular UK grime and hip-hop artists, including pop star Fekky and grime artist Krept, blending the vibrancy and energy of UK rap culture with the film's undercurrent of grit and reality. It's east meets west, as North London's grim and grinding crime world fuses with Jamaica's dancehall and reggae scenes.

Visually, the movie is an atmospheric treat, with striking cinematography that effectively captures contrasting environments. Whether in North London's concrete jungle or Jamaica's tropical paradise, the landscapes serve as significant backdrops, further enhancing the narrative. The effective use of lighting, dynamic camera angles, and immersive sound design work in perfect tandem to tell a story that is both raw and riveting.

A notable feat of the film is its authentic dialogue, employing local vernacular and idioms to bring out the true essence of the characters and their influences. It takes the viewers into their world, making the experience not just an observation but a journey lived alongside the characters. Combined with the pulsating soundtrack featuring a mix of grime, hip-hop, dancehall, and reggae, it creates a truly immersive auditory and sensory experience complementing the visual spectacle on screen.

The film doesn't shy away from exploring heavy themes like crime, loyalty, ambition, betrayals, and the desperate desire for power, making it a thought-provoking exploration of life in the underbelly of urban society. It holds a mirror to the stark realities of the streets, painting a raw, authentic picture of crime and its bitter consequences.

Overall, The Intent 2: The Come Up is about ambition, loyalty, love, and betrayal. It takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the dark underbelly of the London crime world and beyond, offering a raw, unapologetic look into the realities of this volatile world. It is an atmospheric addition to the British crime genre that sets the scene for the continuity of the mainline series in the original ‘The Intent'. A must-watch for fans of gritty urban dramas and character-driven narratives.