Watch David Makes Man

David Makes Man is a drama television series aired on OWN in 2019, which follows the life of a 14-year-old boy David, played by Akili McDowell, who is struggling to find his way in the world. David lives in the poverty-stricken neighborhood called Homestead, located in South Florida, with his mother Gloria, played by Alana Arenas, who is a single parent and drug addict.

Through the eyes of David, the series explores the challenges faced by the Black community, such as poverty, violence, addiction, and mental illness. It features a cast of strong, complex, and multi-dimensional characters who are vividly portrayed by talented actors.

David is a gifted student who attends a magnet school for academically talented children, which presents a sharp contrast to his life outside of school. He is mentored by Dr. Woods-Trap, a science teacher who recognizes David's academic potential and encourages him to pursue his dreams. However, David's academic success puts him in conflict with his peers, who accuse him of acting white and ridicule him for his aspirations.

David's struggles are further complicated by his mother's addiction, which puts their fragile relationship under immense strain. Gloria is a complex and sympathetic character, who is haunted by her past and battles her addiction. She is fiercely protective of her son, but her addiction makes it hard for her to provide him with the support he needs.

To escape his challenging environment, David turns to his imagination, which is vividly portrayed in the series. His imagination is a refuge from the harsh reality of his life, where he creates a world of his own, with its own rules and logic. Through his imagination, David confronts the traumas of his past, such as the death of his best friend and his father's abandonment, and finds a way to deal with his emotions.

The series also explores David's relationships with his peers and community members. One of his closest friends is Seren, who is a transgender girl that faces discrimination and harassment from her peers. David's relationship with Seren is a poignant and sensitively portrayed, highlighting the importance of acceptance and empathy.

David also has a complicated relationship with Raynan, portrayed by Travis Coles, who is a drug dealer and a childhood friend. Raynan's presence in David's life represents the violence and danger that is inherent in his environment. Their relationship is fraught with tension and danger, as David tries to navigate between his loyalty to his friend and his desire for a better life.

The series is masterfully directed and expertly crafted. The cinematography is striking, with beautiful imagery that captures both the beauty and the harshness of the environment. The score is haunting and emotive, perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the series.

David Makes Man is a powerful and poignant series that explores the challenges faced by the Black community and the resilience and creativity of its members. It is a commentary on the struggles faced by young people in disadvantaged communities, highlighting the forces that shape their lives and the dreams that keep them going. With its impeccable performances and breathtaking direction, the series is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great storytelling.

David Makes Man is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between August 14, 2019 and on OWN