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How can you recount the life of Rob Peace? He was a remarkably intelligent African American youth residing in New Jersey, raised by a dedicated mother and a father who was imprisoned for murder when he was only seven. His intelligence and passion for science led him to earn a scholarship to Yale, but circumstances brought him back to his hometown where he became involved in drug dealing. Despite his promising future, he tragically lost his life at the age of 30.
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, written by Jeff Hobbs and now turned into a film by Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a harrowing and unsettling story. As a sophomore director, Ejiofor faced the challenging task of sensitively portraying this tale, avoiding common assumptions and clichés. Premiering at Sundance, Rob Peace may have its flaws, but it is a tactful and empathetic film that offsets any concerns. It serves as a strong follow-up to Ejiofor’s first film, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, showcasing his earnestness and ability to evoke strong emotions. With a sizeable budget and notable actors such as Mary J Blige and Camila Cabello involved, it is likely that Rob Peace will not stay on the market for long after its successful premiere.
Although the initial buzz may have centered around more well-known stars, it is Jay Will as Rob, a relative newcomer, who delivers one of the festival’s most memorable breakout performances. He effortlessly captivates the audience with his charming personality and impressive intelligence, using science to navigate the often chaotic world around him. Despite the weight of his father’s conviction, Rob remains optimistic and determined to prove his innocence, juggling his studies and search for evidence. Will impressively portrays Rob’s journey, showcasing his ability to adapt while staying true to himself. It is a remarkable and confident performance from an untrained actor, carrying the weight of a challenging film on his shoulders.
Although we trust Will to guide us as audience members, Ejiofor’s writing doesn’t always have the same confidence in him. There are unnecessary bits of voiceover that repeat information we already know or can see through Will’s facial expressions. Some dialogue also feels out of place and too obvious, spelling out the film’s themes and Rob’s struggles rather than showing them. The script often reminds us of Rob’s inherent goodness, which is already evident in his story and in Will’s captivating presence. While Ejiofor is a talented director, there are moments where he overdoes it, such as the sun shining during an overly dramatic first kiss or scenes that are sped up or slowed down awkwardly. Like his writing, his direction could have used more subtlety and less overwhelming elements.
Throughout much of the movie, the main character demonstrates a talent for recognizing when to hold back. The protagonist’s experience at Yale avoids excessive conflict, with small acts of discrimination depicted briefly but effectively, and his ultimate downfall portrayed simply and without exploitation. The actor Ejiofor understands that the story can unfold on its own without heavy-handed tactics. Although Blige’s performance falls a bit flat, Ejiofor effectively portrays a conflicted father who never falls into the stereotypical “bad dad” role, as he only wants the best for his son but also expects a lot from him. Cabello’s performance is adequate but lacking in depth, as the film is too busy to give enough attention to their romance, resulting in a final emotional scene between the two feeling underwhelming.
A more refined film would have utilized a gentler approach, but Rob Peace manages to steer clear of enough pitfalls to deliver its final impact. Ejiofor portrays his downfall as the outcome of larger societal factors, highlighting the challenges of achieving true social mobility in his home country. Through Will’s exceptional performance and Ejiofor’s unwavering dedication, Rob transforms from a stereotype into a fully realized person. The presence of Rob’s mother off screen adds depth to the story. Overall, this is a compelling yet unsettling tribute.
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Rob Peace’s film is being shown at the Sundance Film Festival and is looking for a distributor.
Source: theguardian.com
