Critically Acclaimed Crime Thriller Exposes Corruption But Is Lost To New Viewers
In our pervasive media environment, sometimes the language of cinema is our best bet for expressing complex ideas and helping others to understand the plight of marginalized groups. Some films, such as 2018’s The Hate U Give, offer a truly comprehensive look into how generational trauma, political red-lining, and systemic racism can have a massive impact on an entire community. Unfortunately, The Hate U Give is currently not available to watch on any major streaming service, essentially depriving new fans from seeing the moving and impactful film.
The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give was written by Audrey Wells and directed by George Tillman Jr, based on a 2017 novel by American author Angie Thomas. The movie received massive critical acclaim upon release, including an ultra-rare A+ CinemaScore, as well as a near-perfect 97 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Unfortunately, screenwriter Audrey Wells was not able to see the fruits of her labor, as she passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer just one day before the film’s release.
A Tragic Story We Hear All Too Much
The narrative of The Hate U Give centers around a 16-year-old girl named Starr Carter, who commutes from her underserved black community to a predominantly white prep school. Though Starr tends to stay out of trouble whenever possible, she attends a party which is broken up when one of the kids shoots a gun into the air, causing a panic. As her best friend Khalil is driving Starr home, the pair are pulled over by a brash, racist police officer who suspects Khalil of having a gun in the car.
Coping With Trauma In The Face Of Corruption
If you’ve had the misfortune of tuning into the American news cycle in the last 30 years or so, you likely know exactly what comes next, as the police officer shoots and kills the unarmed black teen due to a preventable misunderstanding. As the police shooting becomes a national news story, Starr must contend with her own trauma, even if it means unwillingly becoming the face of civil rights as her neighborhood begins to crumble around her.
By the time you reach the climactic conclusion of The Hate U Give, there won’t be a dry eye in the house, especially if you or someone you know has ever lost a loved one to police corruption.
Powerhouse Performances All Around
The Hate U Give packs an all-star cast which includes Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Issa Rae, Sabrina Carpenter, rapper Common, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s Anthony Mackie. Heated performances from Stenberg and Mackie are particular highlights of the film, especially as The Hate U Give crescendos into a terrifying climax in the third act.
Watching The Hate U Give
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Personally, I think it’s a crime that this excellently-crafted movie isn’t available through a streaming subscription, especially considering its poignant and relevant subject matter. The Hate U Give May not have blown up at the level of other related films like Fruitvale Station, Do the Right Thing, or Queen & Slim, but it should still serve as mandatory viewing for those grappling with the constant struggle of the black community against police violence within the United States.
As of this writing, you can rent or purchase The Hate U Give through Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video.
