To write about a movie like Blindspotting is a truly daring task. Why? Because this film is phenomenal, and no matter how many words I will write, I am afraid I will never do justice to this film. This film talks about many things, from race to identity, gentrification, responsibility and not only does it eloquently, but it’s also cinematic. Blindspotting isn’t just a brilliant film; it’s a beautiful and intriguing movie. And certain scenes will stay with you for a while.

The best thing about Blindspotting is how it takes formulas we know and tolerate (like starting your film with a countdown towards something) only for that something to happen and what you thought would happen does not happen. This film begins with Daveed Diggs going through a trial and ending up in prison just for him to be out and on probation, so we see the countdown until the probation is over. Any other movie would have ended with that day and how that person either went back to prison or just narrowly managed to stay free. But not this film; we not only go past that day, but the path Daveed’s character takes is also fascinating, and I was with him for his entire journey.

Then we have the character of Miles, played by Rafael Casal. He’s facing a different thing altogether; he is a white man, who has lived his entire life in the black community, his best friend is black, and his girlfriend is black, so he acts like a black man. And the film isn’t afraid to explore that, alongside the feeling of being a stranger in your own city/street where you grew up, only for you to suddenly feel like you are the odd one out.

I know, just reading this review, it seems like this will be one of those “important but not that exciting movies to watch”. And this is where you would be wrong. Yes, Blindspotting is not an “easy watch” by any means, and there is a variety of complex issues discussed by all our protagonists; nevertheless, the movie presents everything in a very cinematic, lively way. The best part about that was nothing felt forced. All the conversations the characters had, seemed real they didn’t feel heavyhanded or preachy. The other important aspect to mention is the characters often rap here. But they don’t do it in a “musical style” where we would stop everything just to have this rap verse; they incorporate it into the film, where it becomes almost second nature for them. And when you pull that off (having characters rap in your movie with no music and for it to come off natural), you’ve done something there.

There are two scenes that will stay with me for a while, the first for its visual and musical flair and the other for its sheer effectiveness. The first scene is the nightmare/court scene Collin (Daveed’s character) is dreaming about. Everything from the visuals (excellent play with shadows or the bullets coming out of Daveed’s mouth) to the editing of that scene whilst Rafael’s character was raping was breathtaking. You are in it until he wakes up, and you tense up; I can only applaud.

But the tensest scene of the film must be the best use of Chekhov’s gun I have seen in a while. I won’t spoil it too much because I want you to have the same experience I had, but the moment this gun shows up, you know something bad will happen. And when it finally shows up… I thought to myself: “Surely the movie wouldn’t go THERE. But then, if not this movie, which one then?” I know this isn’t descriptive at all, but trust me, when you see the movie, you will know exactly; what scene I am talking about.

And when you think there is no way this movie couldn’t get any tenser, the last 20 minutes happen. Again, I won’t spoil anything; I will simply state the performance by Daveed Diggs somehow kicked into another gear. I was on the edge of my seat because (again) I could see this playing out both ways, as you can feel the characters’ rage. Yeah, let’s make that three scenes (at least) I won’t forget any time soon.

By the sound of my review so far, you might be compelled to think Blindspotting is just a series of great scenes stitched together, and I couldn’t blame you. Because I don’t think I will ever be able to describe precisely why I loved this film so much because there are so many different aspects. I swear, this film is more than just a bunch of great scenes; I loved it because, for almost 100 minutes, it pulled me into its story so well I forgot I was watching a movie. The best movies can drag you in so deep you forget about the time, place or even your life for that amount of time. I don’t know about you, but that’s how I know I am watching something incredible when I feel like the movie has just flown by, or I forgot it was “just a movie” because I was so deep in it. And Blindspotting is one of those truthfully exceptional movies that will do that to you if you let it. I am starting my 4K movie collecting journey soon, and you can bet this movie will be one of the first ones I will buy because I want to see it again, if possible, in the best quality currently out there.

Overall, Blindspotting is easily one of the best films I have seen this year, and I watched many great ones. It’s one of those “slice of life” movies that pulls you in, where by the end, you almost feel sorry for leaving. I learned that there is a TV show (Blindspotting 2021 – ?) tied in with this world, and some of the characters are also reprising their roles. So guess what TV show just got added and bumped to the top of my current TV queue? If it’s even half as incredible as this movie, I know I will love it too. For now, I would recommend this film with all my passion. What a movie.

That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Until next time,

Luke