Selah and the Spades [Ultra HD]

With a narrative steeped in ambition, power dynamics, and the complexities of teen life, "Selah and The Spades" is a 2019 coming-of-age drama directed by Tayarisha Poe in her feature directorial debut. The movie centers around a charismatic and influential high school senior, Selah Summers, portrayed by Lovie Simone in a breakout performance that hits all the right notes. Set in the exclusive Haldwell Boarding School in Pennsylvania, the plot revolves around five student-led factions that run the school's underground, each with their own specialty.

Selah leads The Spades, the faction in charge of supplying the school with illicit substances, maintaining a tense hold on her territory whilst dealing with the pressures of her impending graduation. The other factions - The Sea, The Skins, The Bobbies, and The Prefects - each occupy distinct roles such as planning parties, brute enforcement, gambling, and keeping the peace. This intriguing setup lends to a storyline that's as irresistible as it is compelling.

Lovie Simone's portrayal of Selah is nothing less than captivating. Simone brings an electric power to Selah, who spends her time assertively leading her faction and meticulously planning her future. Beneath her strong exterior, however, Selah grapples with the pressures of maintaining her dominance and the fear of leaving high school, and these inner struggles are beautifully captured on screen. It is clear that Selah craves control and fears the uncertainty that lies beyond graduation.

In an interesting twist to the narrative, Selah takes a junior, Paloma Davis, played by Celeste O'Connor, under her wing. O'Connor brings a sense of quiet strength to Paloma, who is drafted to document the Spades' activities but quickly becomes Selah's potential successor. Selah guides Paloma through the web of power and politics within the school, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of their relationship.

The supporting cast does a fantastic job, with key performances by Jharrel Jerome who plays Maxxie, Selah's right-hand and main dealer. Jerome's character, while charming and joyful on the surface, subtly reveals a yearning for a life beyond the Spades, adding another layer of complexity to the plot. Other notable characters, such as Nuri, strive to balance the everyday demands of their school lives while functioning within their factions.

Poe's storytelling is distinctly original, interweaving elements of drama, mystery, and teen angst effortlessly. The film is imaginatively structured and carries an aesthetic that is both unique and engaging. Perhaps most striking about "Selah and the Spades" is the film's ability to challenge traditional ideas imposed on teenagers and explore thought-provoking themes of power, loyalty and independence within a repressive institutional environment.

While this is a high school set movie, it's not your usual teen fare. The school's systematic workings, portrayed as a dark underbelly beneath the stereotypical drama of American high school life, amplify the stakes in this intense game of control and power.

"Selah and The Spades" also carries a strong visual aesthetic with carefully crafted cinematography that stands out. Each frame is a testament to the film's ability to captivate the viewer – from the meticulous compositions to the occasional use of vibrant colors that contrast with the overall sombre tone of the narrative. Combined with a haunting score that underscores the tension, the movie's technical aspects are compelling, further enhancing its cutting-edge storyline.

The movie delivers both as a narrative of youthful ambition and as an allegorical critique of power structures. It encapsulates the world of adolescence in a manner rarely seen in cinema.

Even though it is set within the walls of a fictional boarding school, "Selah and The Spades" brilliantly uses this setting to explore universal truths about adolescence, power, and the human condition. The film's beauty lies in its ability to bring out these stark realities while still maintaining the charm and intrigue typical of a high school drama. Regardless of whether you're a fan of the genre, its unique perspective and artful execution make it an offering that's hard to overlook.