Review of Fruitvale Station (2013) by Hatem A — 06 Dec 2013

4.0/4.0.

Without a doubt among 2013's best and one of the most emotionally powerful films in some time, "Fruitvale Station" chronicles the last day in the life of 22-year-old Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) who was shot in Oakland, California in the early hours of New Year's Day 2013.

It is possible to question whether the events depicted leading to the horrid conclusion are in fact real or just added for dramatization; but, honestly, I just didn't care because it all works so well. Despite the conclusion being known, there is a building sense of dread that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats especially in the film's final third. Credit to this goes to writer-director Ryan Coogler who, in his feature film debut, positions himself as one of Hollywood's most promising new talents. The movie is shot in a way that is borderline documentary, which works exceptionally well here especially with the top-notch script that has natural, realistic dialogue that sometimes seems improvised (I mean that in a good way).

A big reason why the movie works so well is the acting with Jordan in a star-making turn as a young father who has been on the wrong side of tracks but struggles to make ends meet for his girlfriend (Melanie Dioz, also excellent as his supportive girlfriend) and their young daughter. His character is so likeable and he sort of redeems himself fully and ties loose ends in his life on his final day in such a beautiful manner. Despite the utter charisma of his character and no in-your-face explanation of his troubles (he has a perfectly nice family), the movie subtly touches on his character's volatility that is possibly the reason for his difficult life. Octavia Spencer is a tour-de-force as Oscar's loving yet strong mother in a brief performance that tops her Oscar-winning supporting turn in "The Help". This could have easily been written and acted as an emotionally over-the-top role. There is a flashback scene in the movie where she visits her son (a year earlier) in prison that is possibly the movie's best and most moving scene with an excellent acting showcase by both Jordan and Spencer. "Fruitvale Station" is a very stirring human story that also touches on modern-day racism and police brutality in its final act. A must-see! Won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.