Residue

Residue is a 2020 American drama, manifesting as an intimate, surreal and thought-provoking film that delves deeply into issues of race, gentrification, and identity. Directed and written by Merawi Gerima, the movie features a remarkably talented cast that includes Obinna Nwachukwu, Dennis Lindsey, and Taline Stewart. This compelling narrative acts as a fearless commentary on social dichotomies, capturing the raw essence of a neighborhood undergoing relentless change.

The movie tells the story of Jay (Obinna Nwachukwu), a young aspiring filmmaker who returns to his childhood neighborhood in Washington D.C. after spending a considerable amount of time studying film in Los Angeles. However, upon his return, he finds the landscape of his old neighborhood fundamentally transformed due to the rapid gentrification hitting the city. The homes and faces he'd once been so familiar with, he finds now replaced by wealthy newcomers living in luxury apartments.

Jay embarks on a nostalgic journey longing to reconnect with his old friends and the place that shaped him. His attempts, however, are met with a jarring reality check. Most of his old friends are either missing, incarcerated, or deceased. His close childhood friend, Demetrius (Dennis Lindsey), is mysteriously gone, while his family and community members treat him with suspicion – marking him out as an intruder just as much as the gentrifiers.

Jay's desperation to tell the story of his community through his prospective film becomes a challenge because of the tension and misunderstandings he faces from his own people. Slowly, Jay finds himself entangled in a tension-filled duality where he battles to balance a sense of belonging and alienation. His path mirrors a haunting journey of nostalgia and disenfranchisement.

Throughout the movie, Merawi Gerima masterfully explores the nuanced themes of displacement and cultural erosion caused by gentrification. The lines between past and present, real and surreal, memory and reality blur, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike quality – reflective of Jay's mental and emotional state. Gerima also presents a deep exploration into the psychological effect of displacement, manifesting through Jay's disorientation and alienation.

Each performance in Residue is outstanding. Obinna Nwachukwu carries the weight of Jay’s emotional journey impressively, bringing a profound authenticity to the part. Dennis Lindsey, though less present, has a significant and memorable performance. Behind the camera, Director Gerima showcases his skills, executing a seamlessly interwoven narrative style. His use of intimate close-ups, changing color palettes, and nonlinear storytelling creates an evocative ambiance that encapsulates the viewers in a unique cinematic experience, having them instinctively empathize with Jay’s plight.

Residue is also a masterpiece in terms of its sound design and cinematography. The intimate cinematography by Mark Jeevaratnam captures the distressing reality of gentrification through its hazy, handheld shots, and lingering images of Jay’s old neighborhood. The effective sound design emphasizes the movie's dissonance between past and present, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

The film acts as a eulogy for the vanished culture and community, nudging audiences to think critically about social norms and urban renewal's true prices. Furthermore, it stands as a stark reminder of the existence of systemic racial disparities and brings to the forefront conversations about race, gentrification, homelessness, and the importance of retaining one's cultural identity.

In conclusion, Residue stands as a profound social critique imbued with heartrending emotions and stark realism. It is a captivating portrayal of the personal effects of gentrification that are often overlooked in a larger discussion of urban development. The film strikes a resonant chord by offering a raw, deeply personal narrative about identity, belonging, and loss. Gerima’s Residue is a significant contribution to the discourse on gentrification and its ramifications, making it a must-watch for those interested in thoughtful and socially-conscious cinema.