Synopsis: Directed by Wes Miller (A Day to Die), Call Her King follows Judge Jaeda King (Naughton), who has just sentenced Sean Samuels (Mitchell) to death when the courthouse is hijacked by Samuels’ brother Gabriel, also known as Black Caesar (Gross). The Judge must then rely on her wits, strength, and skill to find a way to end the standoff, save the hostages and fight her way out.
What are you willing to die for? While I usually tend to find a somewhat obscure aspect of each film to mull over, after this question was spoken in the film, it stuck with me. What seems like a straightforward, albeit grim question, can tell you a great deal about the people around you as well as yourself. While there’s technically no right or wrong answer, you know what you’re supposed to say. However, we operate on self-preservation and more fear than we’re willing to admit. So what’s your honest answer? What’s the answer that you dare not speak aloud? If you have a family, it’s an easy answer. Or maybe it’s not. We do everything in our power to avoid death on a daily basis so to realistically ponder this scenario in a sincere manner is truly daunting. Just something to think about.
“I saw how my cousins and friends get railroaded by police and judges. I wanted to defend them.”
There’s a thin line between the truth, lies, and the law. Fortunately or unfortunately, it’s because it’s not about whether you’re innocent or guilty, but about what you can prove. However, what do you do when you have proof that those with the power to lock you away forever are just as criminal as those they choose to sentence? Moreover, what if you’re a part of that devious system? You may have vowed to be the upstanding outlier, however, you’re unknowingly part of the problem. Written and directed by Wes Miller, Call Her King is an action-packed trial by gunfire. Confronting reality-based themes of sexism, racism, inequality, and judicial corruption, it skirts subtlety and opts to be a smack in the face, as it should be. This movie not only cozies its way next to genre classics with its countless bullet casings, reluctant hero arc, ruthless anti-hero, and broken-breaking fight scenes, but it has something to say and it says it with its whole chest.
Balancing drama and action in an increasingly intriguing way, Call Her King is entertaining as hell. You never quite know who to root for as the Black Caesar character gives off Thanos vibes and our protagonist is more than meets the eye. Oh, and there’s a twist that you won’t see coming.
“Not on my watch.”
It’s not often that we get to experience an almost all-Black action thriller and a female-led one at that. They are few and far between but this one hits on many levels. There’s a sense of catharsis you get throughout as you witness genuine corruption get called out and put in its place. The script is incredibly interesting and well-written and there are aspects of some of your favorite action films littered throughout. One of the coolest facets of the story is that everything that takes place isn’t of multiple days or hours but almost the exact runtime of the movie. Liken it to 24 in that regard. More than anything this melanated machine gun melee does exactly what it set out to do, thrill. It’s human, it’s tense, exciting, and badass until the very end. I enjoy Call Her King a great deal. With his message meets mayhem style, Miller is quickly becoming a master of the genre. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
Starting with a slow boil that quickly overflows in an explosive manner, the pacing of this film is executed very well. From beginning to end, it consistently remains interesting. What popped for me was the twist that I never saw coming. Whether it was due to the writing or performance, I was so intently enthralled that I was pleasantly caught off guard during its climax.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Naturi Naughton, Lance Gross, Jason Mitchell, Johnny Messner, Nicholas Turturro, Tobias Truvillion, Garrett Hendricks, Shiobann Amisial
The performances really drove the story home. As friendly and smiley as Lance Gross usually is, he is a fantastic anti-hero. You don’t want to discern whether he’s a criminal or not because you know that he’s right. His character Black Caesar is a focused, take charge, move-or-get-run-over personality type that stands on principles and is not to be lied to. Naturi Naughton is perfect as the unsuspecting badass. Not only does she deliver on the emotional aspects but her action sequences are exceptionally smooth considering that it’s outside her norm. As Jaeda King she is putting on for black women in a white male-dominated space. She’s intelligent and strong but maybe lacks a little confidence due to something in her past. Not to mention, I can’t help but think that what she stands for and her reasoning for getting into her field somewhat mirrors director Wes Miller’s own journey. Jason Mitchell returns to the screen as Sean, brother to Gabe aka Black Caesar. He delivers an emotionally charged performance that I hope leads to a sequel.
Call Her King is currently available to stream on BET+. Remain safe and enjoy.
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director: Wes Miller
Writer: Wes Miller
Producers: Wes Miller, Andrew van den Houten
Executive Producers: Jessie Jalee
Director of Photography: Ron Bowjack Bourdeau
Editor: Mike Twin Jones
Music: Paul Koch
Call Her King is an action-packed trial by gunfire.
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GVN Rating 7
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