Every actor in this movie takes full possession of his or her role. So believable are the performances in this movie, viewers could be forgiven for thinking they're watching a documentary. Ray McKinnon nearly steals the show as Snake, one of the most evil screen villains in memory. McKinnon, who also directs, coaxes wonderful performances out of his cast. As a writer, he also comes up with some excellent lines, including Chrystal's mom wanting to tell Truman Capote, "You miserable little fairy, you ruined my daughter's life!" and an African American musicologist saying, "You can't sing the praises of diversity and then place restrictions on what it is." Be warned, though - The movie moves at a glacial pace and does not contain one moment of levity or fun (and the sexual portrayal of Chrystal is beyond degrading). Also, the scene where Chrystal sings a song on the porch is so obviously overdubbed it's unintentionally funny.
Still, this is a thought-provoking film and deserves viewing by an audience mature enough to appreciate it. 7/10 stars.
Still, this is a thought-provoking film and deserves viewing by an audience mature enough to appreciate it. 7/10 stars.