2/20/24 - Rustin (2023) - 5-/10

Colman Domingo has a magnetic presence here as a valiant social justice warrior pushing through personal pain and attacks to make something truly special despite being hounded for his homosexuality. He exudes a physicality that is highlighting his outspoken yet hurt inner self, more outrightly expressed by his half-broken smile which is prominent and pointed at. Domingo is soulful and strong. The rest of the film, not so much.

The film has plenty of narrative but little that goes beyond historical exposition into internal biographical engagement. It's fairly paint by numbers and largely forgettable beyond its message. There just isn't anything propelling the film into something interesting or remarkable. It felt plain beside the guiding light of Domingo.