Night Catches Us-2010

Director Tanya Hamilton

Starring Kerry Washington, Anthony Mackie

Scott’s Review #503

Reviewed October 29, 2016

Grade: B+

Night Catches Us (2010), as a film, has some strong qualities and is captivating and interesting to watch.

It is largely set in 1970s Philadelphia and explores the racial tensions of the time.

Kerry Washington and Anthony Mackie star and do a great job with the material.

The film tells the story of a former 1960s Black Panther (Mackie) who returns home after a decade to start his life over, or so he hopes.

Night Catches Us is a combination of love stories and political/social commentary and is an important film to watch.

The leads, along with Wendell Pierce, are great, and the real-life 1960s Black Panther rally footage is interesting to see from a historical perspective.

My only criticism is that I wanted a bit more.

Certain events seem plot-driven and forced- slightly clichéd in the romance department- but overall I enjoyed the film very much, especially for Mackie and Washington’s performances.

Great acting and a socially relevant story.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Feature