Based on titular novel by Angie Thomas, the Paramount+ film, On The Come Up, follows a young woman determined to make her dreams of rap stardom come true, while trying to stay true to herself and those she loves. Actress Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball) makes her directorial debut with this film about the tenacity it takes to never let go of your dreams despite your circumstances.

Premise

The film follows Brianna Jackson (Jamila C. Gray) known as Bri to her family and friends, and as Lil’Law in the “Hunger Games” arena of battle rap, as she puts it. She’s the heir to famed Garden Heights battle rapper, Lawless, who died when she and her brother were children. After a harrowing encounter with one of her high school’s resource officers, Bri films a video response that goes viral. This propels her into the spotlight and helps her catch the attention of famed producer, Supreme (Cliff “Method Man” Smith) who offers her studio time and mentorship.

As her situation at home becomes more desperate, as her mother (Lathan) is jobless and struggling to pay bills, Bri must determine just how far she’s willing to go to be successful and how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice for fame.

Cast & Characters

Jamila C. Gray is a young actress to watch. She brings talent and conviction to her portrayal of Bri and you can’t help but root for the character as she tries to navigate the aftermath, both good and bad, of her attack. Bri is a young woman determined to live up to her father’s legacy and she wants more than anything to be successful. Gray portrays that realistically.

Sanaa Lathan pulls double duty here as both director and bringing to life the role of Jay, Bri’s mother. Jay is a former drug addict who is trying her best to keep her head above water. She has made a lot of mistakes, and is desperately trying to make up for them and connect with her daughter.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph plays Pooh, Bri’s tough as nails aunt who would do anything to see Bri succeed and is fiercely protective of her family. Pooh isn’t happy when Bri fires her to work with Supreme and it causes a believable rift in the family. Randolph brings toughness and heart to the role that makes the character instantly likable because of her devotion to her talented niece.

Miles Gutierrez-Riley and Michael Anthony Cooper Jr. portray Bri’s closest friends, Sonny and Malik. Malik is Bri’s love interest and endlessly supportive of her. Gutierrez-Riley portrays Sonny as kind and funny. Sonny is an openly gay teenager from a rough neighborhood where his sexuality is treated with a refreshing matter-of-factness. By the film’s conclusion, he’s openly dating the son of famous rapper. I would say that’s sequel bait if I’ve ever seen it.

Titus Makin Jr. portrays the criminally underutilized role of Bri’s older brother, Trey. He’s a former graduate student who dropped out of his program and works at a pizza shop to help support his family. He pops in and out of the story to encourage and tease his little sister. I would have loved to get more of his perspective on their father’s legacy, their mother’s former life as an addict, and his own deferred dreams. There wasn’t time for this, of course, but I think his character would have benefited from further development.

Mike Epps, Justin Martin, and Lil Yatchy appear in minor roles as well.

Final Thoughts

On The Come Up isn’t a film without flaws. The pacing is uneven at times and some scenes drag on a little too long for my liking. That being said, the film is an entertaining exploration of a young black girl’s quest to reach her dreams without sacrificing herself and everything that makes her unique. Understanding that the best way to honor her father’s legacy is by being herself and making it on her own terms.

Once again, I want to praise the way the film handled the character of Sonny and his relationship. The rap industry is notoriously homophobic, yet here, we get a character who moves comfortably within this space with his best friend and ends up in an unexpected place by the film end, without dealing with nasty slurs and mistreatment. I hope to see this reflected in the real world someday.

On The Come Up is a thoughtful, entertaining and heartfelt adaptation of Angie Thomas’s young adult novel.

On The Come Up is currently available to stream on Paramount+. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B7AXY4xXyQ]