Watch Real Talk

Real Talk is a powerful drama released in 2021 that explores the complexities of race, identity, and family. Directed by Sharon Lewis and stars Jasmine Carmichael, Michael Beach, and Sierra Collins. The story follows the journey of a young black college student named Zoe (Jasmine Carmichael) who's growing tired of her father's (Michael Beach) unwavering conservative views. They're in constant disagreement about everything, politics, race relations, and even her boyfriend who comes from a different race. In the meantime, Zoe is struggling with her identity as a black woman who doesn't want to conform to the standard of what the society deems as acceptable - she suffers a lot of emotional turmoil because of this.

Zoe's father is an advocate for law and order, he's not sympathetic to the protesters who join the Black Lives Matter movement, leading to more conflict and tension between him and Zoe. When her father challenges her to a debate about their differences of opinion which will be beyond just family but public and global, Zoe yet again finds herself in a bind.

As the two prepare for their public debate, Zoe's mother (Sierra Collins) tries to ease tensions by bringing in her own perspective and urging for empathy and healing. This leads to a shift in the dynamics between the father and daughter and they start to understand each other in a way that they never did before. Their past traumas begin to illuminate which helps to narrow the generational gap between them and they begin to understand more about each other.

Throughout the film, the writing is powerful and addresses the complexity of the issues surrounding race relations and politics head-on. Real Talk has a great pace that never feels like it's dragging on or rushing, as the narrative unfolds it touches upon different themes leaving the audience feeling nourished with insight and food for thought.

One of the main takeaways from the film is the importance of having real conversations about race and its impact on individuals, families, and society. Often in our modern society, the topic of race can be seen as taboo or contentious, but this movie inspires us to engage in productive discussions that help move society forward.

In terms of the acting, Jasmine Carmichael holds the movie together with her amazing performance, she brings a lot of nuance and emotion to her character. Michael Beach delivers a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of a father who believes that he's doing what is right, and how navigating his beliefs over time has been challenging. Sierra Collins as Zoe's mother brings a perspective of hope and comfort amidst the turmoil.

The cinematography and editing were also impressive. It's clear the production team put a lot of thought and care into every shot and scene. These elements helped to create an immersive and intense atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film.

In conclusion, Real Talk is a powerful drama that tackles important social issues and relationships between family members. It's a well-crafted film that leaves you feeling real hope that true healing, better understanding, and harmony are possible with conversations that are honest and authentic. This movie is a must-watch for everyone who is ready to have their perspective challenged and to grow in their understanding of race and relationships.

Real Talk is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.