Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping, heartfelt, mature story of motherhood and family.
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A Thousand and One
What's the Story?
A THOUSAND AND ONE follows Inez (Teyana Taylor), a woman recently released from jail in 1994 New York City. Inez removes her son, Terry (played by Aaron Kingsley Adetola at 6 years old, Aven Courtney at 13 years old, and Josiah Cross at 17 years old), from the foster system without permission -- in other words, she kidnaps him -- and raises him in an attempt to rebuild her family. Over the years, she acquires a husband, Lucky (William Catlett), and establishes herself and Terry in hopes that her son can live a better life than she or Lucky did. But a powerful secret threatens to destroy the bond between Terry and Inez.
Is It Any Good?
It's easy to see why this drama was both a crowd and critical favorite at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. A Thousand and One depicts a heartfelt truth about parenthood -- which is that, despite parents' inevitable mistakes and failures, what they want most is for their child to be happy, healthy, successful, and loved. The film also shows the way that deeply rooted racial and societal challenges, especially in a rapidly changing environment like mid-1990s New York City, can make that mission even tougher than it already is.
While the film authentically captures the feeling of the '90s through the early 2000s, its other notable success is the actors' exceptional performances. They give their characters the realism they need to ground the story. Taylor knocks it out of the park as Inez, and while all three actors portray Terry well, Adetola and Cross stand out for how they let the character's shy sensitivity shine through the slight veneer of toughness that Terry had to acquire to get through his early life. Catlett is also stellar as Lucky, a man who tries his best to be a good father despite his own mistakes. Overall, A Thousand and One portrays Black humanity in a story that, if told by a different person, might well have flattened or stereotyped the characters as casualties of the system.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of A Thousand and One. What is it saying about New York City in the 1990s? How have things changed since then? How are they the same?
How does Inez and Terry's relationship progress throughout the film? In what ways is Inez a good mother? What are some of her mistakes?
How do the film's characters demonstrate perseverance, empathy, and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?
How is Terry impacted by his environment, his family, and his friends?
How is New York portrayed as a character here? Why is it important to show how the city changed over time?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 23, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : May 23, 2023
- Cast : Teyana Taylor , William Catlett , Aaron Kingsley Adetola , Aven Courtney , Josiah Cross
- Director : A.V. Rockwell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 13, 2024
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