The concept of blindspotting relates to the possibility of seeing two or more things in something, but one's brain instinctually goes to a certain one every single time. This may be the most fitting title for any film ever.
"Blindspotting" stars Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, both of whom wrote the film as well. The plot is about these two friends from Oakland. Collin, played by Diggs, is an African-American who has three days left on parole and is trying to stay on his best behavior. Miles, played by Casal, is a white man that acts crazy and ghetto because he grew up in the slums. After Collin sees a black man shot by a cop and doesn't report what he saw, he uses this situation to re-evaluate his life at this point in time. According to the writers, this film was a passion project of about nine years. It just so happens that this film ties perfectly into what many Americans are feeling right now.
While most people would recognize Diggs from the play "Hamilton", I was first introduced to him through his rap group, Clipping. Diggs is the main rapper and vocalist for the group. Many of Diggs' verses revolve around the darker side of poverty and gangster lifestyle, making rap music about popular topics but with a very different tone. These conscious and intelligent lyrics made me want to see this film, and I wasn't disappointed.
I love this film. "Blindspotting" oozes with personality, humor, and relevant social commentary. At its core, this film is an exploration of this environment of Oakland and the implication of everything going on around it. However, it is also a fun comedy about two very dissimilar people and their mutual care for one another as friends.
What surprised me most about this film is how fun it is. Despite this film's trailer, the film is not dry, serious and intense throughout. The funny dialogue and great writing keep the film feeling fresh and lighthearted while still containing darker messages. Not only that, but "Blindspotting" has a more mainstream feel. Many films with strong themes and more thought-provoking content can try too hard to be unique and become too artsy. This film has a style that many normal audience members will feel comfortable with, yet also contains a lot of intelligent symbolism and tiny details that will satisfy more invested film-goers.
The soundtrack in this film is good, but the rapping is amazing. As a hip-hop and rap fanatic, I was impressed with both Diggs and Casal. The creativity and wordplay are on point, and the flows are impressive as well. Not only that, but the acting of the two leads is excellent. Although Diggs plays a character similar to how he acts in real life, he is extremely likable and brings the emotion when necessary. I have to give it up to Casal, though, because his performance is so energetic and convincing. As a result, Miles is a character that is so amusing and complex even though he frequently acts like a jerk. The investment these two put into their performances proves how great artists transcend different media.
Gentrification is a major talking point in this film, and the topic is addressed in a very compelling way. There is a lot of tension between the wealthier people that move in and the citizens that want to maintain Oakland's culture. The white people, the cops, and others are trying to take over the identity in the city, but these two main characters are fighting to keep this city the way they know it to be. The ending expresses this sentiment perfectly, and I walked out of the theater very satisfied and enlightened as a result.
I honestly don't have any major complaints with this movie; everything just gets better and more impressive as the film goes on. Go and see "Blindspotting" if you can because I think it's the best film of the year thus far.
