Out Of Omaha

Out Of Omaha is a 2018 independent film that tells the story of two black brothers, Darcell and Darrell Trotter, growing up in poverty in Omaha, Nebraska. The movie follows the brothers' journey from adolescence to adulthood as they navigate life in a city plagued by racism, gang violence, and social inequality.

The movie begins with a hauntingly beautiful shot of the Omaha skyline as the narrator, Darcell (voiced by Anthony Beasley), introduces us to his hometown. From there, we see Darcell and Darrell (played by Dedrick Bell) as young boys living with their mother in a dilapidated apartment complex. They attend a predominantly white Catholic school, where they face blatant racism from their classmates and teachers.

Despite the challenges they face, Darcell and Darrell are determined to succeed. Darcell is a straight-A student and a talented artist, while Darrell is a gifted basketball player with dreams of making it to the NBA. However, their dreams are constantly overshadowed by the harsh realities of life in Omaha. They witness gang violence in their neighborhood, and their own grandmother is murdered in a botched robbery.

As they grow older, Darcell and Darrell's paths diverge. Darrell becomes involved with a gang, while Darcell decides to put his talent for art to use by creating a comic book that reflects his experiences growing up in Omaha. Eventually, Darcell moves away from Omaha to attend college in California, while Darrell remains behind, struggling to find his way in life.

The performances in Out Of Omaha are exceptional, particularly from Beasley and Bell, who both bring tremendous depth and nuance to their roles. Beasley's voiceover narration is particularly moving, providing insight into the brothers' inner thoughts and feelings.

The movie also boasts impressive cinematography, with director Clay Tweel using a mix of gritty handheld footage and breathtaking drone shots to capture the beauty and brutality of Omaha. The film's score, composed by Keegan DeWitt, is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the movie's themes of hope, perseverance, and resilience.

Out Of Omaha is a powerful, emotionally resonant film that offers a raw, unflinching portrayal of what it means to be black and impoverished in America. It's a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the issues facing our society today.