Between the World and Me (2020)

This powerful piece combines readings from Ta-Nehisi Coates' 2015 non-fiction book of the same name, written as a letter to his teenage son, with documentary footage from the actors' pasts, archival film, and animation. Its account of deadly racism is sad but true.

Many notable actors and activists participate in the one hour 20 minute HBO special, which is based on a 2018 staging of the book at Harlem's Apollo Theater, directed by Kamilah Forbes, who helmed this production as well. In addition to her and Coates, the short list of producers includes Susan Kelechi Watson, best known for playing Beth Pearson on 78 episodes of This Is Us.

No composer is credited and no soundtrack seems to be available, but I found this playlist on Spotify. Fight the Power is definitely in the movie but I don't think the playlist, though a good one, is accurate.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics rise up to this, averaging 94%, but its audiences are less active at 67.

I'm glad I chose to write about this now instead of putting it off, because you can watch it for free from this link until December 27. I imagine that, after that date, you'll need a subscription to HBO Max. Be sure to see it. Every American should.