Synopsis:
On one incredible night in 1964, four icons of sports, music, and activism gathered to celebrate one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. When underdog Cassius Clay, soon to be called Muhammad Ali, (Eli Goree), defeats heavy weight champion Sonny Liston at the Miami Convention Hall, Clay memorialized the event with three of his friends: Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge).
Some moments in history will be discussed for eternity, however, they oftentimes overshadow some monumental occurrences that preceded those moments. Unless documented, we can only speculate because in many cases, the details live and die with those involved. What happened right before the Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared? Did DB Cooper tell anyone his plans? Who thought of and paid for the construction of the Georgia Guidestones? And who decided English was a good idea? I mean, carrot, caret, carat, and karat; what the hell! That’s what makes some of history’s greatest moments so exciting and also terrifying, the mystery.
Based on the stage play of the same name, One Night in Miami is a night to remember. It’s captivating, enlightening, sharp, and memorable. The powerful film not only encapsulates a singular moment in time but it represents an entire generation of people and the world around them. While the story is fictional, it’s based on a night that actually happened and is centered around four of the most prominent black men in history, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. The film is a reminder of where our roots of righteousness come from and how much work still needs to be done. Taking place on a night in February, a month synonymous with Black History Month, not only did this special gathering happen but some other monumental things were taking place. Not only does Cassius Clay shock the world but Sam Cooke sang that a change was gonna come and it indeed did. The civil rights act of 1964 passed the House of Representatives that same month. Once it passed the Senate, after a lengthy filibuster, it would be signed into law on July 2nd of the same year. The following year the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would be signed into law. These men were at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement using their influence to help create change, and that’s what makes this film so special. It brings to life that thought that many of us have of what it would be like to be a fly on the wall in a room full of culture shifters. The writing is full of life, the editing is smooth, and the chemistry is top tier. It’s a film that results in every character being your favorite. It allows you to view these men, who some may have a disdain for, in a light that is more than stature, you see them as human. With its limited release in December of 2020, it is one of my favorite films of last year. I highly recommend One Night in Miami. Its rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
On February 25th, 1964 after a monumental and shocking win against Sonny Liston, Cassius Clay becomes boxing’s heavyweight champion of the world. In the crowd are a few of Clay’s close friends that just happen to all be household names. Together with Clay, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown head to a hotel where they are expecting a party. However, when they arrive Malcolm suggests that the group keep to themselves and reflect on the night. While at the hotel, the night unfolds in dramatic fashion as discussions of the current state of America are held as well as their roles in the current Civil Rights Movement. But not everyone sees eye to eye which causes friction throughout the night. As the four gentlemen have breakthroughs and realizations, the night helps them all make decisions that will change their lives forever.
The film moves so effortlessly and is so captivating that the runtime could be 3 hours and I’d want more.
Characters & Chemistry
This cast outdid themselves. If you told me to choose my favorite performance, I wouldn’t be able to pick. They all brought something different to the table that made for some electric chemistry. Muhammad Ali (Eli Gorree) is the spark. He’s full of life, powerful yet playful and as he puts it, is “too pretty.” He also has a lot on his heart and needs guidance. Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir) is focused, reserved, and full of wisdom. He has a secret that could ruin one of his friendships. Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) is the light. He’s full of love and good times but is more involved than some give him credit for. And Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) is the move in silence type. He has a lot to say but only offers his viewpoint when necessary. Also, he not a man you want to trifle with.
One Night in Miami premieres on January 15th on Prime Video. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Regina King
Writer: Kemp Powers (Screenplay and stage play)
Producers:
Executive Producers:
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 54m
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
