Film Review: 'One Night in Miami'
“One Night in Miami” (2020) is the directorial debut of Oscar and Emmy winning actress Regina King about four of America’s most famous African American pioneers. The story follows an evening with Cassius Clay, soon to be Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) celebrate Clay’s underdog victory. Written by playwright-screenwriter Kemp Powers, the story is inspired by true events from Feb. 25, 1964 in Miami, FL.
The premise of the story is simple: four of America’s most famous black men reunite in a Miami hotel room. Clay is the new heavyweight world champion, Cook aka the King of Soul has an evening off from performing, Brown is done with his record-setting football season and civil rights activist Malcolm X made the trip to see his friend — and reveal his dangerous decision. These friends meet at Malcolm's dingy Hampton House Motel room because Jim Crow laws prohibited black people to stay or celebrate in Miami beach and enjoy their long-awaited reunion. They’re a part of a special club of ‘lots of angry white people want me dead because I’m so talented, famous and black’ which few others can relate to, and conversations arise around activism, economic independence and religious institutions. Tensions rise and the night puts friendships to the test.
The biggest upside for on-the-fence viewers is the complete package this film provides. No prior knowledge is required about the men or the American Civil Rights Movement. History buffs will feast on the performance nuances and occasional references, but anyone with a hazy memory of a U.S. history class will understand the movie just fine. Even better, the exposition is expertly written to blend necessary context with an entertaining plot, and many viewers will finish the film feeling more knowledgeable than before.
Clocking in at an hour and 54 minutes, the film uses every combination of topic and personality to challenge each man. Phenomenal performances make for engaging characters; indomitable figures like Malcolm X are simplified, he’s just a young introverted father desperate to make America safe to be black. Similarly, the invincible Clay is only 22-years-old, and the giddy young man ecstatic to see his hard work pay off in the ring. Brown and Cooke are more reserved professionals, but their insecurities and fears are teased out over time. In the end, fun is had, ideas are tested and the past and future are examined.
King shows expert command over the director’s chair; no detail was missed in “One Night in Miami”(2020). The film’s coloring is invitingly warm, the lighting is complementary, the sound design (to say nothing of Leslie Odom Jr.’s singing) is simple and enjoyable. The cinematography walks the fine line between artistic shots and placing the audience within the room. Small film elements are usually under-appreciated — until it’s done poorly — but King has left no stone unturned. The pacing of the film is notably excellent, King utilizes Powers’ punchy script to whirl between confrontation, jokes and quiet contemplation. King avoids amateur pitfalls and triumphs over industry challenges to create a fun film I will be enjoying many times over.
“One Night in Miami”(2020) can be found in select theaters and Amazon Prime.
