Watch Chapter & Verse

Chapter & Verse is a powerful and timely drama that explores the struggles of an ex-convict named S. Lance Ingram (played by Daniel Beaty) as he tries to reintegrate into society after serving an eight-year prison sentence. Directed by Jamal Joseph and co-written by Joseph and Beaty, the film tackles issues of race, poverty, and police brutality in a nuanced and compassionate way.

The movie opens with Lance returning to his old neighborhood in Harlem, where he reconnects with his grandmother (played by Loretta Devine) and becomes involved in a community program for at-risk youth. As he starts to rebuild his life, however, Lance is confronted with numerous challenges that threaten to derail his progress. His job prospects are limited, he struggles to maintain his sobriety, and he finds himself caught between the conflicting expectations of his old friends and his new allies.

One of the key themes of the film is the systemic injustice that Lance and his community face on a daily basis. Throughout the movie, we see Lance interacting with various authority figures who embody different aspects of this injustice. There's the well-meaning but naive white teacher who tries to teach his students about Martin Luther King Jr., only to realize that his own privilege blinds him to the realities of his students' lives. There's the corrupt cop who harasses and brutalizes black men with impunity, and the parole officer who treats Lance like a criminal even though he's trying to stay on the straight and narrow. And there's the wealthy businessman who praises Lance for his work ethic but fails to recognize the structural barriers that prevent him from advancing in life.

Despite all these obstacles, Lance persists in his determination to make a positive impact on the world around him. He mentors a young boy named Ty (played by Khadim Diop) who is struggling with anger issues and absentee parents, and helps him channel his energy into art and poetry. He also reconnects with his estranged father (played by Omari Hardwick), who has also been to prison and understands the challenges that Lance is facing. Their relationship is fraught with tension and resentment, but ultimately they find a way to forgive each other and move forward.

One of the most striking things about Chapter & Verse is the way it portrays the complexity of its characters. None of them are simple stereotypes or one-dimensional caricatures; instead, they are fully realized human beings with their own motivations, fears, and flaws. Lance is not just a victim of circumstance or a hero; he's a complicated man who is struggling to reconcile his past with his present, and to find a way to live with dignity and purpose. Similarly, the other characters in the film are not just types or archetypes; they're individuals with their own stories and struggles, and the movie gives them all a chance to shine.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of poetry as a form of expression and catharsis. Lance is a gifted poet, and throughout the movie we hear him reciting his work in voiceover or performing it onstage. His poetry captures the pain, anger, and hope of his community, and provides a powerful counterpoint to the violence and despair that surround him.

Chapter & Verse is a timely and important movie that sheds light on the issues of mass incarceration, police brutality, and systemic racism that continue to plague our society. It's a film that challenges viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions, and to recognize the humanity and dignity of every person, regardless of their background or circumstances. With strong performances, nuanced writing, and a powerful message, this is a movie that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

Chapter & Verse is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 70.