Review of The Hate U Give (2018) by Wayne K — 30 Nov 2018

2018â(TM)s film calendar was a full of contemporary critiques and social satires, and The Hate U Give, while not the best I seen, was still an incredible watch. Amandla Stenberg gives an incredible lead performance, full of raw intensity and emotional gravitas.

The films primary target is police brutality, but it also manages to tackle the tough family dynamic, the damage caused by a life of crime, gang violence and the thin line between peaceful protest and all-out anarchy, but never feels bloated or overloaded.

The film keeps the focus on its lead and the trauma she goes through, keeping her secret not only from the general public, but also from her nearest and dearest. When it finally gets out, chaos is unleashed, and she quickly finds herself at the forefront of a mission for justice.

The movie might be a little too simplistic in its depictions of race relations and discrimination at times, but that didnâ(TM)t stop it from containing some of the most emotional moments I see on screen this year.

But far from being a sentimental slog, it contains plenty of levity too, revealing the characters through their love of life and desire to live it. Keep an eye on the cast and crew, and hopefully theyâ(TM)ll bring us more films like this in the near future.