In the movie Residue from 2020, we are transported to the heart of Washington D.C. where a mysterious event rocked the city to its core. The movie follows the life of Jay (Obinna Nwachukwu), a struggling filmmaker who returns to his hometown to try and find his creative spark once more, and becomes embroiled in the aftermath of the event.
As Jay sets out to capture the true essence of his hometown, he comes across a ghost-like figure, who seems to be watching over him. As Jay delves deeper into his project, he realizes that this shadowy figure may hold the key to unlocking the truth behind the event that has changed the city. With the help of his ex-girlfriend, Blue (Taline Stewart), and a local resident, Dion (Dennis Lindsey), Jay sets out to uncover the truth before the city is consumed by the chaos.
The movie is expertly crafted to present a unique perspective on how the events of a major city-wide catastrophe can impact its residents. The delicate balance between the ordinary and the supernatural is maintained throughout the movie. The audience is kept guessing until the very end, as to what the source of the event is.
The tension builds as the mystery unravels, and the audience is drawn into the lives of the characters, who are all trying to make sense of what has happened around them. The performances by the lead actors are impactful and engaging, bringing to life the characters' struggles and pain with authenticity.
Director Merawi Gerima's camera work is spectacular, with many scenes shot at night, capturing the eerie and haunting atmosphere of the city. The use of natural lighting adds a sense of realism to the movie, making it feel like we are watching real-life events unfold. The pacing is slow but deliberate, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and the story.
Residue is more than just a movie about a catastrophic event; it is a commentary on gentrification and displacement, and how it affects the lives of the people living in a community. The movie's themes are handled with sensitivity and empathy, making it more than just a black and white issue.
The music in the movie is also noteworthy, with a mix of blues, jazz, and soulful tunes setting the mood for the movie. The soundtrack is unique, and each song is carefully chosen to match the tone of the scene.
Overall, Residue is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in social issues and the impact of gentrification on communities. The movie is artistic and thought-provoking, and its exploration of themes is a credit to the director and the cast. The movie leaves a lasting impression and will leave audiences thinking about it long after it's over.
Residue is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 82.
