[Review] One Night In Miami (9/10)

 

Title - One Night In Miami
Studio - Amazon Prime
Starring - Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Leslie Odom, Jr., Aldis Hodge, Lance Reddick, Beau Bridges, Christian Magby
Writer - Kemp Powers
Director - Regina King
Release - 8 January 2021

I cannot remember another movie last year that had my eyes, and ears, glued to the screen as much as I did for One Night In Miami. Not even Aaron Sorkin and his writing for The Trial Of The Chicago 7 held my attention as intensely as this movie.

Half way through the movie, when all the conversations went on and on in one room then I realized that it's actually adapted from a play. That was perhaps the only downside with play adapted movies - that they are very confined and not as dynamic in terms of locales. But those conversations were riveting. 

Also, these four actors were superb in their performances. It would have been hard to single one of them out, but Kingsley Ben-Adir was the clear lead as he had more screentime and were involved in most of the lengthy conversations. But when compared to the other Best Actor performances, he probably had the least amount to do and hence wasn't even in any conversation.

I am, however, surprised that not more conversations were had about Regina King directing this. Even when it's only a couple of set pieces (if you can even call it that), I thought her pacing and storytelling were top notched. 

And I really enjoyed how all the focus seemed to be put into the conversation. As mentioned, most of the scenes were shot in the hotel room, and then there's one on the rooftop of the motel, and that's about it. Very plain, very simple, but very effective.