Watch Small Axe

Small Axe is a groundbreaking anthology series from acclaimed director Steve McQueen, released by Amazon Studios in 2020. The show features five films, each one exploring the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. The films are named after a Jamaican proverb: "If you are the big tree, we are the small axe."

One of the films, titled "Red, White and Blue," stars John Boyega as Leroy Logan, a real-life figure who joins the police force in an attempt to fight against racism from within. Another film, "Mangrove," stars Letitia Wright as Altheia Jones-LeCointe, a leader of the British Black Panther Movement. The other films are "Alex Wheatle," "Lovers Rock," and "Education."

Each film in the series is a self-contained story with its own narrative arc and cast of characters, but they are all connected thematically by their exploration of the West Indian immigrant experience in London. The series is notable for the way it portrays these stories with subtlety and nuance, avoiding the stereotypes and clichés that often plague depictions of Black characters in the media.

Throughout the series, director Steve McQueen demonstrates an incredible attention to detail and an evident passion for the subject matter. Small Axe is a deeply personal project for McQueen, who was raised by West Indian immigrant parents in London himself. In interviews, he has spoken about his desire to tell stories about these communities that are rarely seen onscreen, and to celebrate their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

The first film in the series, "Mangrove," is a powerful courtroom drama that tells the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were wrongfully accused of inciting a riot during a peaceful protest in 1970. The film explores the racism and brutality faced by the Black community in London at this time, as well as the power of collective action and resistance.

The second film, "Lovers Rock," takes a different approach, focusing on a single night in the lives of a group of young people at a house party in 1980. The film celebrates the joy and community of these moments, highlighting the importance of music and dance in West Indian culture.

"Red, White and Blue," the third film, is perhaps the most emotionally arresting, thanks in large part to John Boyega's standout performance. The film follows Leroy Logan as he tries to make a difference in the police force, despite facing racism and hostility from his white colleagues. The film is a powerful commentary on the difficulties faced by Black individuals who try to change institutions from within.

The fourth film, "Alex Wheatle," tells the story of the eponymous author, who grew up in a children's home before finding a sense of community and purpose through his involvement in the Brixton music scene. The film is a moving exploration of identity and belonging, as Alex struggles to reconcile his Jamaican heritage with his experiences in the UK.

Finally, "Education" is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows a young boy named Kingsley as he is forced into a subpar school for children with special needs. The film examines the discrimination faced by Black students in the British education system, as well as the power of education and mentorship to change lives.

Overall, Small Axe is a groundbreaking and important series that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. The show is a testament to the strength and resilience of the West Indian community in London, and a reminder that their stories deserve to be told with nuance, sensitivity, and respect.

Small Axe is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between November 20, 2020 and on Amazon Studios