The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
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The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is a drama about a disabled Black veteran who's killed by racially motivated cops when his medical alert system is accidentally activated. When Kenneth (Frankie Faison) explains the misunderstanding to the police and exercises his right to refuse unreasonable search without a warrant, the police call for backup. Mature content includes use of the words "f--k," "s--t," and the "N" word; anti-Black hate speech; and punching, shoving, and taser use resulting in death. Kenneth displays perseverance and resistance, and some onlookers, including a police officer, practice empathy and attempt to intervene. But the movie's overwhelming themes are the violence and bigotry displayed by the cops. Steve O'Connell and Enrico Natale co-star.
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What's the Story?
In THE KILLING OF KENNETH CHAMBERLAIN, elderly Black veteran Kenneth Chamberlain (Frankie Faison) accidentally activates his medical alert system, prompting police officers to be dispatched to his home to conduct a wellness check. Kenneth, who lives alone in his apartment complex, is disabled due to a heart condition and has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. When the police arrive at his door, Kenneth, who is in pain, struggles to explain the misunderstanding. He asks the police to leave, but they refuse. Instead, they call for backup. Officer Rossi (Enrico Natale) suggests that his team use a more empathetic approach with Kenneth, who's clearly struggling. But the other officers are committed to storming Kenneth's home and using unnecessary, excessive force against him. It becomes clear that this violence is racially motivated when they turn away Kenneth's own family member who has offered to help, use phrases like "these people," and refer to Kenneth both as a "boy" and as an "N" word.
Is It Any Good?
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is a representative story of the many instances of racially motivated police brutality in the United States. Star Faison expertly holds the intersection of an elderly, Black, disabled veteran who's steadfast in protecting the rights of U.S. citizens -- in this instance, his own rights. His logic is sometimes flawed, and his communication is often incoherent, but he's human, and he deserves protection. The movie feels play-like, with one incident, one location, and a small cast. The racist White cops play their part but with very little subtlety -- using phrases like "these people" and referring to Kenneth as a "boy" and using the "N" word. That said, while the cops are one-dimensional, this is a movie about exposing the dimensionality and humanity of a Black man in a society where those inherent truths are so often overlooked.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain handles the topic of police brutality. What message do you think the film is trying to send?
Do you think the officers should have faced any consequences? Why, or why not? What was different about Officer Rossi's approach, and why didn't the other police officers follow him?
How accurate do you think the movie is to what happened in real life? Why might filmmakers sometimes alter the events in a fact-based movie?
How does the impact of the violence in this film compare to what you might see in an action movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 17, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: September 17, 2021
- Cast: Frankie Faison, Steve O’Connell, Enrico Natale
- Director: David Midell
- Studio: Gravitas Ventures
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Perseverance
- Run time: 83 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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