With his cinematic debut, visual-artist-turned-filmmaker Titus Kaphar asks an emotionally charged and highly debated question that permeates within segments of the Black community.
“Can generational curses be broken in spite of unhealed trauma?” Through “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” Kaphar answers with an emphatic yes, but pivots to the price that must be paid.
The critically acclaimed film Starring André Holland, Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and John Earl Jelks premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2024. It opened in theaters nationwide on Friday, October 18. “Exhibiting Forgiveness” gives agency to the Black boys who fight tooth and nail to protect their sons from the parenting sins they suffered at the hands of their fathers. Whether it was physical or emotional absence, abuse or dysfunctional relationships dynamics within the family unit. Although Kaphar never says so, the film feels autobiographical. If it appears nowhere other than in the similarity of the artwork of the main character Tarrell, there is at least one parallel.
Tarrell is a painter who has emerged within the mainstream arts community for his vivid imagery in the depiction of Black males. He is far from a starving artist. Through his work he has created a comfortable and loving environment for his wife and young son. Their home beams with love – and creativity thanks to his wife Aisha’s singing career. But he is suffocating under the weight of anxiety and pressure from internalizing his childhood wounds. They are tender to the touch – and become exposed when his mother Joyce stages an impromptu reunion with his long estranged father LaRon without Tarrell’s permission.
Tarrell relents, but the reconnection is anything but a joyous one. He forces Laron to confront the demons that destroyed their family. Beaten down by the world, Laron drilled into his son that his value as a human being is tethered to his ability as a provider. Laron shares details of the trauma that was passed down from his father as if it were an heirloom. Tarrell continues to suffer because of his decision to bury it within. Tarrell’s experience with LaRon haunts him, but also inspires him creatively. Meanwhile the pieces of what LaRon left of the family suddenly scatter.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is a slow burn wrapped in an emotional rollercoaster. The film starts heavily and consistently remains that way. Instead of building to a climax, there is a steady simmer that may feel under pace for the palates of movie goers who have settled into comic book franchises and fervently unhinged dramas. Kaphar – who also wrote the film – adheres to a somewhat safe formula with respect to the situations that ease the story along.
But it is more satisfying than the run of the mill predictable broken family drama thanks to powerful acting coupled with stunning visual and audio aesthetics.
Even from the interesting way the opening credits unfold, audiences are aware that the film is being handled with an artist’s eye. Cinematographer Lachlan Milne makes the film feel as if it is on canvas with the depth and vivid imagery of a contemporary painting. The haunting vocals of co-star Andra Day as her character Aisha, a singer/songwriter/musician, tinkers with what will become the song “Bricks” gives insight on the inspiration and collaboration of romantic partners who are also creatives.
The chemistry between André Holland’s Tarrell and Day as his wife Aisha is art in its own right, but the performances of Holland and Ellis-Taylor deliver poignant authenticity. Ellis-Taylor elevates the performance of Jelks as Laron with every scene they share. But the moments when Ellis-Taylor and Holland connect – and conflict – are masterful.
Both are underutilized within the industry for artists of their caliber. The hope is that Ellis-Taylor won’t be ignored during awards season thanks to her performance in “Exhibiting Forgiveness” and the soon-to-be-released “Nickel Boys” by RaMell Ross. And that Holland’s ability to bear the weight of the film will finally garner the leading man status his talent warrants.
Exhibiting Forgiveness is open in theaters nationwide. The film is rated R with a running time of 117 minutes.
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