Colin in Black and White
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Powerful series connects one man's life to oppression.
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Colin in Black and White
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Based on 3 parent reviews
For Real
Entertaining and Informative
What's the Story?
Co-created by Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick, COLIN IN BLACK AND WHITE combines aspects of documentary filmmaking with sitcom storytelling to look back at the life of young Colin (Jaden Michael), a talented player in his middle and high school years. Living in a California town without many Black people, chafing under the restrictions of his well-meaning but sometimes-thoughtless White adoptive parents (Nick Offerman and Mary Louise Parker), Colin wants what every young person wants: agency, respect, attention. But the way that the world reacts to his own multiracial heritage -- and treats people of color in general -- adds stress and complexity to the already painful task of growing up. Kaepernick stars in and narrates vignettes from his past, using vintage images and footage of public figures like Donald Trump, Allen Iverson, Queen Latifah, and others to illustrate the influences that shaped his life.
Is It Any Good?
Powerful, emotional, and enormously entertaining, this hybrid documentary and coming-of-age drama takes a look back at the sports figure who ignited a political flashpoint simply by taking a knee. To be sure, Colin in Black and White is unusual, both in its storytelling style and in its visuals, both of which skate back and forth between illustrating significant vignettes in Kaepernick's life and taking a critical look at race in America. Kaepernick himself appears in a black suit against stark visuals, narrating sitcom-style scenes in which a young Kaepernick struggles against the expectations of others, then connecting them with oppression both historical and modern.
In the miniseries' first episode, young Kaepernick struggles to find a hairstyle that works both for his sense of style and the demands of his parents, teachers, coaches, and other authority figures. Adrift in a decidedly non-diverse late-1990s California town with his (loving but also clueless) adoptive White parents, Kaepernick is overjoyed to find a Black-owned barbershop. The scene in which he walks in to find a new world, filled with people with skin like his, hair like his, heroes and ambitions and tastes like his is simply beautiful; talented young actor Jaden Michael lets surprise and relief and gratitude play out over his face. His new braids make him feel confident; he can run faster, shoot higher, get significant looks from attractive female classmates. Of course, that joy doesn't last. His (White) coaches demand that he cut his hair or vacate the team. "It doesn't look professional," says his dad Rick. Why should he have to look professional, Kaepernick asks back, "I'm a kid. I'm 14." No matter. His hair is soon cut, and the pain it causes Kaepernick is palpable. At the time, an older Kaepernick narrates, he didn't have the tools or language to fight back, though he knew it was wrong. But things are different now, and Kaepernick and co-creator Ava DuVernay are making the most of the mouthpiece Netflix has given them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the purpose of Colin in Black and White. Documentaries always have specific aims: to entertain, inform, persuade, or inspire. How many of these categories are relevant to this film? Do you think co-creators Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick successfully accomplished these goals?
What audience is this miniseries aimed at? How can you tell? What do you think is the purpose of mixing up fictionalized storytelling with documentary-style criticism and narration from the person whose life is being depicted? Does this mishmash of styles work?
How does Colin in Black and White promote courage and integrity? What about perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 29, 2021
- Cast: Nick Offerman , Jaden Michael , Mary Louise Parker , Colin Kaepernick
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-14
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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