Watch Freshman Year

Freshman Year is a heartwarming, coming-of-age indie drama that follows a group of young African-American freshmen as they navigate their way through their first year of college. The film is directed by Jude Okwudiafor Johnson and stars Diallo Thompson, Gregory Alan Williams, and Benjamin A. Onyango in pivotal roles. The movie opens with the students heading off to college, enthusiastic and full of hope. Among them are CJ (Thompson), a talented basketball player with big dreams, and Zo (Williams), an ambitious young man who's determined to make something of himself. Along the way, they meet a host of other interesting characters, including a no-nonsense dean (Onyango) and a wise mentor (Natalia Dominguez).

As the freshmen begin their journey, they quickly realize that college life is not all fun and games. They face obstacles both academic and personal, and they are forced to confront their own insecurities and fears. CJ, in particular, struggles to balance his love for basketball with his desire to succeed academically. Despite the many challenges they face, however, the students remain resolute in their determination to succeed.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing both the grandeur of the university campus and the intimacy of the characters' relationships. The cinematography is especially effective during the basketball scenes, which are thrilling and well-choreographed. The soundtrack, too, is noteworthy, featuring a mix of old-school and contemporary hip-hop and R&B tracks that underscore the film's themes of growth and self-discovery.

At its core, Freshman Year is about the power of education and the importance of community. It highlights the challenges that young people face in pursuing their dreams, and it celebrates the resilience and courage that it takes to overcome those challenges. The movie also tackles issues like race, class, and identity, giving voice to the experiences of marginalized communities in higher education.

Overall, Freshman Year is a moving and inspiring film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of hard work, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages.

Freshman Year is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.