The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete is a 2013 American drama film directed by George Tillman Jr. The film stars Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks, and Jeffrey Wright in lead roles. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 and was released in select theaters later that year.

The film follows two young boys from Brooklyn, Mister (Skylan Brooks) and Pete (Ethan Dizon), who are left to fend for themselves during a hot summer when their mothers are both arrested and taken away. The movie deals with themes of survival, resilience, hope, and family as Mister and Pete face various obstacles to survive the summer and beyond.

As the film opens, we see Mister, a precocious 13-year-old boy, trying to sell his mother's belongings in a bustling Brooklyn housing project to make some money. He is joined by Pete, a shy and reserved boy who is always trying to stay out of trouble. The two boys are like misfits, and they quickly become friends as they try to survive on their own.

Mister is a bright and ambitious student who dreams of going to an Ivy League school and becoming a doctor someday. However, his mother is a drug addict who neglects him, and he is forced to fend for himself. Pete's mother is a prostitute who often leaves him alone, and he is also struggling to find his place in the world.

With no food, money, or adult supervision, the boys must figure out how to survive the summer. They sneak into apartments to steal food and water, evade police officers, and avoid gangs that patrol the projects. In one scene, they even break into a grocery store to steal food, only to be caught by the police.

Amidst all the chaos, Mister finds solace in his dreams and his love for hip-hop. He spends his days writing rap lyrics and listening to the radio, hoping to one day become a rapper. His friend, Pete, is always there to support him even though he doesn't share the same ambition.

As the days go by, the boys' situation becomes more precarious. They run out of food and water, and they must call on the kindness of strangers and acquaintances to survive. They face challenges from gangs, police officers, and their own insecurities as they try to make it through the summer.

The film also deals with the theme of family, as both boys come from broken homes and lack parental guidance. They form their own makeshift family with each other, and they eventually find help from a kind-hearted neighbor (played by Jennifer Hudson) who takes them in and helps them navigate the system.

Overall, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete is a poignant and thought-provoking film that deals with important themes relevant to contemporary society. The movie showcases the struggles of young people living in poverty and the challenges they face in their daily lives. The standout performances by Skylan Brooks and Ethan Dizon, coupled with great direction and a moving screenplay, make this film a must-watch for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories and dramas about resilience and hope.