Blindspotting (2018)

Sadly Over-hyped

Best movie of this year hands down!

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

I didn't really know much about Blindspotting before I went to go see it. I had seen the trailer a couple of times, but I didn't have the strongest sense of what the film was actually about. I went and saw Blindspotting as part of my new initiative to see a new movie in theaters every Saturday morning. It gives me an excuse to go see movies that aren't the big blockbusters that I've been looking forward to for months and months, and Blindspotting certainly fits that bill. It centers around two friends, Collin (Daveed Diggs) and Miles (Rafael Casal), who reach a bit of a crossroads as Collin is finishing up his probation and begins to reassess whether Miles is really a healthy person to keep in his life going forward. Blindspotting does a really great job in balancing comedy and drama, as it tells the story of these characters while also hinting at larger issues that surround them. Through some really creative and innovative techniques, Blindspotting works as a non-confrontational social commentary, with the development of its characters being at its forefront...

I always find it fascinating when researching a great film after viewing it that there were a lot of interesting factors that went into making it such a great movie overall. Blindspotting now has a limited theatrical release and while it may not be playing at a theatre near you, I highly recommend seeking it out when you get the chance. With far more to offer viewers than anything it has showcased throughout its very small marketing campaign, this is the definition of a movie that's both for film lovers like myself, as well as being accessible for mainstream audiences who like a good story. Blindspotting absolutely deserves your time and here's why it comes so highly recommended in my eyes.Blindspotting follows Collin, a convict who has recently been placed on probation. Needing to remain clean until the end of his probation, he has started a daily routine to take his mind off things. That comes to an end very quickly when it seems as though he just can't escape his past due to the bad influences around him. From witnessing a murder to being manipulated by his lifelong best friend, this film takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. Using notions that are relevant in today's day and age, as well as putting a unique spin on filmmaking in general, the way this film gets its points across is absolutely astounding in the best possible way.Written by the two lead actors in Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, it's very clear that these two can relate to this particular story, even if it's in the slightest of ways. It truly seemed as though two friends with obvious differences got together to compose a script that directly reflects that. With the assistance in direction by first-time feature filmmaker Carlos López Estrada, this movie is only taken to new heights. The talent in front of and behind the camera is all too good to be true. Everything about the plot of this film to the execution of specific scenes was near perfect in my eyes.Normally, when a film has competent editing, you hardly ever notice it or even think about it for that matter, but rather become invested in the characters or action on-screen. With the rare case in Blindspotting, both the music and the editing played parts in making this film far better than it already was on paper. From music video-like choices in its editing to the straight-up verbal raps that characters get into, this film doesn't only tell a great story on its surface, but like a lot of rap music does, if you read between the lines, it has an endless amount of storytelling hidden beneath the already fantastic filmmaking.Overall, Blindspotting not only takes a simple idea and expands it into something that I'll remember for years to come, but it also delivers some truly shocking scenes of dialogue that had me sucked in and literally brought me to tears. Not for being all that sad, but for feeling as raw and real as it did. The performances throughout this film are through the roof. Not only that, but every single department deserves some recognition here. As I was sitting in the theatre watching this movie, I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that not a single glaring error stood out to me. Blindspotting is a simple tale of a man trying to earn his freedom after being imprisoned, but if you really sit back and analyze everything happening on-screen, I feel as though you'll be as blown away as I was. This is easily one of the best films I've seen and probably will see in all of 2018.

This is one powerful movie-its message, its actors, its depiction of struggles. A must-see!

The co-writing and acting duo of Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal along with feature directing debut of Carlos Lopez Estrada have brought one of the most compelling and thought-provoking dramas I have seen this year. Blindspotting is funny, dramatic, emotional, provocative and dark as well as mesmerizing to watch in the theatre.Blindspotting takes place in present day Oakland focusing on childhood best friends Colin (Diggs) and Miles (Casal). The story largely follows Colin, a convicted black man serving his last few days of probation. Colin struggles to avoid getting into situations that will send him back to prison. It is difficult especially when his white best friend Miles's reckless behaviour puts Colin in tough and awkward positions that he can't seem to avoid. But once Colin sees a young black man get gunned down by a white cop, a journey of self-discovery begins.As we follow Colin on his arc where he revaluates his place in the world and his personal relationships, the film digs deep into how our world is constantly changing and dividing based on the way we as a society perceive things and people. The perception of identity is express through little things like a local fast-food joint changing their menus to be more vegan, oak trees being turned into a new art trend to the major issues like Colin worrying his black identity will be placed into a racial stereotype so he tries to act passive and calm to avoid getting racially scrutinized by a white person. And it doesn't help that he is often being blamed for Mile's careless actions. From there the film explores serious social issues about racism in America. We get inside Colin's head to see his fear of how the white-dominated system makes his life and other minorities both difficult and terrifying to live in. As much as he tries to avoid confrontation he ends up becoming either a non-guilty victim or a helpless spectator watching the madness unfold.Diggs and Casal's script starts off being very comedic to help the audience warm up to their characters and to the see the world through their eyes before entering into the very heavy issues it takes on. This in turn helps to elevate each of their performances. Diggs begins the film as the comedic straight man pointing out the ridiculousness and futility of situations he comes across. But as the film goes deeper into its themes character's arc Diggs delivers a captivating, dramatic and compelling performance that should be worth considering for award season. And Casal also brings a strong layer of depth in his performance near the end that brings a sense of empathy towards his flawed character.Estrada visualizes the themes of identity in very stunning and unique ways. Cinematographer Robby Baumgartner paints Oakland as a character of itself starting from the opening montage of footage. The shots of graffiti, old but colourful houses that populate the neighbourhood to the neon lights on the streets allows you to feel Oakland's personality and history. The visuals become especially impressive when a local describes the sequence of events that got Colin arrested in the first place. As the film goes deeper into its issues, we see more haunting and provocative imaginary that lets us know things are going to get very dark and serious.Blindspotting is a film that is no doubt relevant for where we are right now as a society in terms with how we deal with race and stereotypes and can leave a lot to think about after you experience it.