‘Rustin’ Review – Domingo’s Performance Will Jumpstart Your Spirit

Synopsis: Bayard Rustin was the architect of 1963’s March on Washington. He challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement.

Meaningful change begins with one person, however, it takes a collective effort to enact those differences. To achieve a future where we can all enjoy freedom and a quality life, we need each other. Life is a team sport and it takes trust, respect, humility, and humanity to be a united species. We must stand together, work together, and lift each other up in times of need. When you lead with hate, like a boomerang, it will come back to you. Therefore, when you lead with love, the same principle applies.

“They either believe in freedom for all, or they don’t.”

History, like most stories, needs names and faces to lead the narrative or be the face of a movement. However, those figureheads aren’t always the architects or even the biggest contributors to the idea or tangible thing that they are attached to. Oftentimes there is an unsung hero that may not have been harrowed in the history books. Still, their contributions are so undoubtedly significant that their name lives on despite being somewhat written out of their own story. Directed by George C. Wolfe, Rustin is a monumental triumph. American history is full of lies, inaccuracies, and omissions but through journals, documents, photos, videos, and passed-down stories we can uphold what we know to be true despite whitewashing. Unfortunately, we tend to learn things of great importance later than we’d like. Fortunately, that’s where films such as this become a great equalizer as you ingest pivotal information you were unaware you needed. You will not only feel invigorated after this film but inspired to make a difference.

Residing during a very difficult time in the relatively recent history of the 1960s and leading up to the famous 1963 March on Washington, the film details how ugly the world was. America was rife with overt hate, racism, homophobia, and sexism, yet still, it delivers glimmers of hope. There were people of all races, genders, religions, and sexual orientations fighting and putting their lives on the line for the same cause, equal rights for all. Bridging multiple organizations and big-name players such as Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen), Roy Wilkins (Chris Rock), Ella Baker (Audra McDonald), A. Phillip Randolph (Glynn Turman), and Adam Clayton Powell (Jeffrey Wright, it’s a movement that we continue to talk about yearly. However, the brilliant man who made it all possible is the intelligent, vivacious, unrelenting, forward-thinking, and openly gay Bayard Rustin portrayed masterfully by Colman Domingo.

“I can’t surrender my differences, the world won’t let me.”

Domingo’s performance will jumpstart your spirit. This is not an exaggeration or hyperbole, the more you watch, the more you get inspired. His screen presence is electric. The command of each scene by way of his passionate line delivery and his full dedication to who Rustin was as a man and an activist can be felt to your core. In a time where it was extremely dangerous to be Black or gay, Bayard Rustin was unabashedly both. Alongside your frustration and tears, Rustin brings joy and hope. A joy that a person who played an immense role in helping secure the present day that I and those like me enjoy and hope that those who experience the film will be inclined to help create a better tomorrow.

From beginning to end, this is an excellent viewing experience. While I do wish that it would’ve done some further digging into conflicts between activist groups, I know that it might’ve pulled focus. The production design is great, the hair and makeup are amazing, and the writing and direction are fantastic. It’s time to finally give Bayard Rustin his flowers. Rustin is most definitely worth multiple watches. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

The film’s pacing and overall energy match that of its subject. It’s exuberant, triumphant, and quick on its feet. Every movement is thoughtful and calculated. What popped for me was the stunning performance of Colman Domingo. It is truly a moving and career-best performance.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, CCH Pounder, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Johnny Ramey, Michael Potts, Lilli Kay, Jordan-Amanda Hall, Jakeem Powell, Grantham Coleman, Jamilah Ros mond, Jules Latimer, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Frank Harts, Kevin Mambo, Carra Patterson, Bill Irwin, Cotter Smith, Adrienne Warren, with Jeffrey Wright and Audra McDonald

The performances of Chris Rock, Gus Halper, and Johnny Ramey bring the story together in a fantastic way, however, it is Colman Domingo who will take your breath away. His star has never shined brighter than in this award-worthy performance. His charisma, jubilance, and commitment to the role evoke a myriad of emotions. 

Rustin is playing in select theaters and will begin streaming on Netflix on November 17, 2023. Remain safe and fight the good fight.

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 46m

Director: George C. Wolfe

Screenplay: Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black

Story: Julian Breece

Producers: Bruce Cohen, Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis, George C. Wolfe

Executive Producers: Higher Ground’s Barack & Michelle Obama, Mark R. Wright, Alex G. Scott, David Permut, Daniel Sladek, Chris Taaffe

Production Designer: Mark Ricker

Costume Designer: Toni-Leslie James

Composer: Branford Marsalis

Original Song: Road To Freedom by Lenny Kravitz

https://youtube.com/watch?v=EuZ-UONInl4%3Fsi%3Dvs6iCCgPCtpPPJ4v