My Name Is Myeisha, an independent drama film released in 2018, directed by Gus Krieger is a gripping story inspired by a real-life tragedy. The movie is set in the nineties in California and is based on the award-winning play Dreamscape written by Rickerby Hinds. The movie follows the life of 19-year-old Myeisha Jackson, played by actress Rhaechyl Walker, a young woman living in Riverside, California. Being an artist, Myeisha is known for her creativity and storytelling skills. One night, she has an altercation with police officers, which culminates in a tragic event that leaves her in a state of unconsciousness, with a bullet wound to the head.
The film utilizes an innovative approach to storytelling by portraying Myeisha's life through a hybrid of live-action and poetry, merging the boundary between reality and dreams. The shooting occurs early in the film, and the rest of the movie deals with Myeisha's memories and experiences in the lead-up to the tragic event.
As Myeisha is unconscious, the film explores her life's memories and experiences in a way that highlights the issues of police violence and racism. Myeisha's story reveals the injustice and challenges that African American people face in American society, and it also stresses the power of art and personal expression. The film also portrays Myeisha's relationships with her mother, grandma, and boyfriend, which are an essential part of her life and memories.
Rhaechyl Walker delivers a brilliant performance, portraying Myeisha's charisma, spirit, and personal struggles. She brilliantly brings out the anguish and anger that her character experiences, and her poetic monologues offer a unique insight into Myeisha's emotions and thoughts.
Dominique Toney, who plays Myeisha's mother, delivers a heart-wrenching performance as a grieving parent struggling to come to terms with the situation. Toney's portrayal brings out the conflict between a mother's love and a parent's duty to protect their child.
John Merchant, who plays Tyquan, Myeisha's boyfriend, offers an empathetic and relatable portrayal of a young man trying to navigate his way through a complex relationship while dealing with societal issues.
Overall, My Name Is Myeisha is a thought-provoking film that offers a unique and dynamic approach to storytelling. The film's effective use of poetry, music, and visual effects creates a compelling impact on the audience. The themes of police violence, racism, and personal expression are relevant in today's context, and the film offers a powerful message about love, identity, and self-expression.
The movie's downside is that it remains melancholic and brooding, and there are not many uplifting moments. Moreover, the protagonist's death, which is inevitable, may disappoint the audience who might have hoped for a different ending.
In summary, My Name Is Myeisha is a powerful, evocative, and innovative film that explores important societal issues while highlighting the art of storytelling. Through Rhaechyl Walker's magical performance, the audience is taken on a journey of personal growth, tragedy, and self-discovery, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
My Name Is Myeisha is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.
