Underdog boxer Cassius Clay (Eli Goree) wins the title match against the champion, Sonny Liston (Aaron D. Alexander). "I'm the champion of the world!" he announces with pride and anger as he rallies the crowd.
After winning the fight, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir) invited him for an afterparty. Together with NFL player Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and soul singer Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), they arrived at the flat. It turns out that this is not an ordinary party and they are the only ones invited.
Malcolm X wants to discuss social issues surrounding their community, and he wants them to join the right side. The 1960s is a year of many injustices towards black people, and he is asking them to stand up against it.
However, not everyone is on board with this sudden request. Sam, Jim, and Cassius hold many sentiments towards the whole Civil Movement. Some of it is against their community, though. But they are all still willing to share a piece of it.
Regina King's "One Night in Miami" is an adaptation of Kemp Powers' award-winning stage play of the same name. It is about the fictional meeting of four black figures amidst a Civil Rights battle in the US.
Everything that happens during that one night in Miami didn't exactly occur. And it didn't need to be. History will always recognize the achievement and difference these four influential figures made.
What is true is that "One Night in Miami" is a timely film that talks about racial discrimination and more. The narrative's power comes from its dialogue, intention, and character. And also, its bravery to point out how society treats black people as slaves and inferiors.
Not only that, "One Night in Miami" addresses the bigotry that exists within the community. The film's striking script throws piercing lines against people who enable oppressions. It throws uppercuts to those who remain apolitical during a time of crisis and change. And to those who choose to side with the majority rather than the humane side.
"One Night in Miami" is a straight livid film, but for the right reasons. It's not angry because the characters experienced prolonged cruelty or unjust treatment. It's furious because racism and despotism still exist today.
4/5
