I should start this review piece by saying, never doubt the talent that Jeffrey Wright possesses. Many may know Wright from his work as Bernard/Arnold on HBO’s Westworld and certainly, he does a fantastic job on that show, but I recently checked out the HBO movie “O.G.” where he stars as an inmate who is only five weeks away from being released, after serving 24 years in prison. While I am sure many may overlook this film, I beg you not to, for it is a well-written story that could only be accomplished due to Wright’s acting capabilities.
In an effort to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible, let me start by telling you that O.G. was filmed entirely in the Pendleton Correctional Facility in Indiana. Wright portrays Louis, who once “ran the whole prison”, but now seems to be biding his time until he is released. While working in the auto-body shop of the prison, Louis serves as the inmate who keeps to himself, but also seems to be a point of wisdom for young inmates. No matter what age or whether they’re inmates or prison guards, everyone seems to like and respect Louis. Despite this, he does not intend to be a mole for the prison guards who are looking to find out whatever is brewing between the gangs within the facility.
O.G. does have the typical “gang storyline”, but it is mostly a background noise for viewers to be worried about, as we fear that a young inmate may very well be the reason why Louis may end up doing more time. The movie is shot beautifully, really highlighting inside life as not just men locked up, but a real life within those walls. We get to see Louis and other’s everyday routines, we watch them play basketball, shoot pool, and even talk about sports. Older and now wiser, Louis sees how being involved in the gangs will do nothing, but cause trouble and therefore, he takes the young inmate “Beech” under his wing, hoping to set him down a right path.
Wright’s performance is wonderful. We can feel the weight of the many years locked up weighing on his shoulders and we see how he is not only a man of living a simple life, but how he also holds onto the rules of prison life. We get some window into why he was sent to prison and what is waiting for him outside. The second half of the movie entails a storyline that had me fearful for Louis and the ending went in a different direction than I thought it would, though; I was satisfied in the end.
O.G. is a great artistic movie that is worth getting a free trial of HBO on Hulu or Prime, because it’s a beautifully shot film with a new feel on your common prison-themed film.
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
