Review of Fruitvale Station (2013) by Matthew D — 03 Jan 2019

A touching tribute to the final days of Oscar Grant.

Fruitvale Station (2013) is a masterpiece of human empathy and understanding. Ryan Coogler made a massive wave for his directorial debut in his tender and realistic portrayal of the last day that Oscar Grant lived.

Coogler uses long panning shots of driving, trains departing and arriving, people running to captivate the audience with each moment. The close ups of faces in their homes feels so intimate like you are actually looking in on their everyday lives. Coogler's use of actual cell phone footage elevates Fruitvale Station not only a biopic of a day in the life of Oscar Grant, but also a fitting testament to the heinous murder of his life.

Furthermore, Coogler also wrote Fruitvale Station. Coogler's wrote a beautiful script filled with modern slang, human fragility, terrible loss, relatable frustration, and infuriating injustice. The characters speak with a sense of urgency in the now. This is a truly contemporary film set right in Oakland. I also loved the fun hip hop score that sounds so refreshing to hear as a film score. Coogler gives us everything for an excellent film.

Michael B. Jordan delivers perhaps his finest acting role ever in Fruitvale Station. He captures Oscar Grant's personality with a complex subtlety through his tear filled voice, furious yelling, and endearing facial acting. Jordan lends his talents into portraying Grant with a respectful realism. He depicts Grant as a conflicted man who loves his woman and daughter, while trying to better himself from his hardened past. His frustration and delight are all on display in Fruitvale Station. This film does the man's legacy justice.

Melonie Diaz is outstanding as the tough and loving lady to Grant named Sophina. Her stalwart dedication to motherhood and what is best for her child is matched by her love for Grant. Diaz wonderfully shows Sophina's hurt and patience for Grant's lifestyle. I feel like their relationship on screen hits home in a very intimate and private way.

Octavia Spencer similarly gives a truthful performance as Oscar's mother. Her pain for the loss of her son is awesome to witness Spencer portray, while heartbreaking to imagine the actual grief that Oscar's mother suffered. Spencer shows the strength of mothers much like Sophina's depiction. Fruitvale Station is a powerful image of the goodwill and the fortitude of women.

Lastly, I must mention the brief, yet unforgettable, performance by Kevin Durand as the officer that subdues and helps murder Grant. His presence is palpable. I found myself scared while watching his acting. It is quite unnerving to witness Coogler's recreation of Grant's murder.

All I can say is that Fruitvale Station is more an intimate experiment in recreating history with true to heart emotion and realistic depth of character. Ryan Coogler directed a brilliant drama for his debut.