The plot revolves around the 1969 police killing of Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya in a charismatic turn). However. more of the dramatic focus is on the party member and FBI informant who betrayed him (LaKeith Stanfield in a nuanced and potent performance). The narrative steadily builds the case for the good intents of the Panthers, while exposing the government paranoia over their rise to prominence. Although director Shaka King develops the story with increasing intensity, some of the most potentially powerful scenes lack the tension that would have ramped up the dramatic momentum. Sean Bobbitt’s warm, saturated cinematography and the subtle period art direction combine to create a rich noir style. The film’s strongest asset is the absorbing performances that help re-create an engrossing moment in history and a damning indictment into the institutional racism that continues to plague our country.
(3.5 / 5)