Emperor

This intense drama offers a candid depiction of what many enslaved people endured on Southern plantations. Directed by Mark Amin (in his feature debut) and written by Amin and Pat Charles (Black Lightning, Iron Fist), Emperor highlights both the plight of captive people and the contributions of abolitionists like Brown and social activists like Douglass. Some scenes may feel harsh and raw, but that's necessary when it comes to accurately portraying the narratives and testimonies of enslaved people -- such as seeing someone whose tongue has been cut off and someone who's been branded.

Okeniyi is convincing as Emperor, and, as another enslaved person, Delores, Kat Graham is excellent; her commitment to the role is impressive. Other standouts include Mykelti Williamson as Truesdale, Ben Robson as Luke McCabe, Kevin Wayne as the overseer, and Bruce Dern as Levi Coffin. Overall, the cast is solid, and the sets/locations, cinematography, lighting, and costume design are cohesive and well executed. The movie conveys many important messages without being overly melodramatic or redundant. And it has notable attention to detail. Moments like Emperor being bitten (presumably by a snake) while wading in swamp water, the portrayal of two escaped men hiding in murky water beneath a floating log, and a little boy's back full of scars as a result of a beating really help the film make a lasting impression. Its scenes can be graphic, but they're honest, and that adds to the film's impact.