#SUNDANCE: “NATIVE SON”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Native Son is based on the Novel of the same name written by Richard Wright. It follows Big (Ashton Sanders), who copes with racism on the daily in Chicago. His life begins to shift as he gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family.

The Film showcases a great Ensemble who get rich, complex characters to play. Two performances that stand out the most are from Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Margaret Qualley (Novitiate). Each woman commands every scene they are in even when placed against a standout performance by Sanders who made a huge impression in Oscar-winning Moonlight.

Changes were made in the Film’s adaptation to connect with a contemporary audience which might be divisive for fans of the source material. The Film makes a statement which makes it a Film of the now.

Native Son screens at Sundance on Thurs., Jan 24 at 9PM at Eccles PC, Fri., Jan 25 at 9:30AM at The Ray PC and 9PM at Tower SLC, Sat., Jan 26 at 12PM at Resort Sundance, Wed., Jan 30 at 6PM at PC Library PC, and Thurs., Jan 31 at 11:45PM at Egyptian PC.