‘Ryan Coogler’s directorial debut is a soul-destroying true story’

Fruitvale Station – Ryan Coogler – 2013

The story is based on the true story of Oscar Grant III and a series of unfortunate events that lead to the fatal incident that occurred on New Year’s Eve/day 2008.

Oscar is played by the incredible Michael B. Jordan, Showing us his early day talents. We really observe an array of emotions from being a great father to snapping clicking into protector mode within an instance.

We observe a young man who is struggling to cope within day to day life with the loss of his job, trying to provide for his family and friends to reliving his worst moments within prison. No matter what MBJ plays Oscar is such a way that he is always putting on a brave face and trying his hardest. Which leads to him going out on New Year’s Eve and taking the train, suggested by my favourite actress Octavia Spencer. When coming home, someone shouts his name and an ex con realising who he was, leading to him being jumped and attacked on a rather pack train. The penultimate scene is one of the most shocking and harrowing portrayals of police brutality and racial profiling which leads to Oscar being shot whilst handcuffed and pressured on the floor.

The case is so shocking that I was shouting at the TV when the film finished and I learnt that the officer in the incident only received 11 months on good behaviour.

Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz last scene is a harrowing and tear-jerking observation of hope and loss which really played a toll on me for sometime after the film finished.

Being a Fan of Ryan Coogler’s Films such as Creed and Black Panther, you really understood where his origins in cinema begin. He cleverly pieces this traumatic tale together so that you feel like something is going to happen through becoming strong each act of the film with elongated scenes that make you feel uncomfortable.

I highly recommend this film!

9/10 🍿