Teyanna Taylor heads this movie with a fierce performance as a mother who gets out of jail and kidnaps her son from his foster home to live with her in Harlem. Thus begins a multi-year journey that examines their relationship: Virtually every character in this film is damaged and they’re struggling to find connections. This is the first feature from A. V. Rockwell and she’s chosen to keep the style raw and gritty. She’s also assembled an incredible cast starting with Taylor, who is totally compelling and unflinchingly unafraid of being unsympathic. The 3 actors who portray her son at different ages all exhibit powerful depth and emotion as well. This is an unflinching look at broken people facing unfavorable odds and trying to overcome their past. 
(3.5 / 5)
