American Son (2019)

An estranged couple reunite in a Florida police station to help find their missing teenage son.

Director:

Kenny Leon

Writer:

Christopher Demos-Brown (by)

Stars:

Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Kerry Washington	...	Kendra
Steven Pasquale	...	Scott Connor
Jeremy Jordan	...	Paul Larkin
Eugene Lee	...	Lt. John Stokes

Storyline

Frantic with worry, Kendra Ellis-Connor (Kerry Washington) paces the waiting area of a Miami police station. Her 18-year-old son Jamal, a top student about to enter West Point, went out with friends early in the evening and, uncharacteristically, has neither returned nor contacted her. As she waits for her estranged husband Scott (Steven Pasquale), Kendra is interviewed by Officer Paul Larkin (Jeremy Jordan), who assures her that his questions about whether Jamal has priors, a street name, or gold teeth are strictly protocol and not racist. Larkin suddenly discloses new details regarding Jamal's whereabouts when Scott arrives, not initially realizing that this white FBI agent is Jamal's father. As the three hash it out in the otherwise deserted waiting area, urgent questions arise concerning the degree to which race, gender, and class play into police procedure.

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Plot Keywords:

police | 

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Taglines:

There's Been an Incident

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is an adaptation of a Broadway play, of the same name, with the same cast (so keep that in mind while watching).

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Quotes

Paul Larkin: Ma'am, I have kids too.
Kendra: Any of them black?

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Connections

Referenced in Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Jimmy Kimmel's Quarantine Monologue/Kerry Washington (2020)

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Soundtracks

Idea
Written by Maceo Vidal-Haymes, Nicholas Hennessey, Chance the Rapper (as Chancelor Bennett), Boyang Matsapola and Noam Wallenberg
Performed by The O'My's feat. Chance the Rapper
Courtesy of Bleed101 and Chance the Rapper LLC

User Reviews

One room, four people- an intimate play (Kammerspiel)

... about stereotypes, prejudice, selective perception, (mis)interpretation and racism from everyone to everyone.

I love many different kinds of film. And I didn't read or see anything about this one before watching. So i had no expectations at all.

For me it was an emotional roller coaster from start to end. The acting, the script, even the simple setting were perfect. Of course you need to appreciate much dialogue. This movie uses words, and words only, to make you feel. There are no crime, no action scenes or the like at all. It doesn't need it!

Maybe some negative- reviewers don't get this movie and it's clear statement, because they didn't watch it till the end?!

To those who felt repulsed or annoyed by who- or whatever: try to get through these uncomfortable feelings open-minded, because:

YOU NEED TO WATCH IT TILL THE END TO FULLY UNDERSTAND!

By the way to dislike a well played annoying character doesn't make the play/ movie bad. Maybe on the contrary: isn't it a possibility to reflect?!

And to those who felt nothing but bored: i feel sorry for your lack of empathy!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 November 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

American Son

Company Credits

Production Co:

Netflix, Simpson Street

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 90 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1