Greetings again from the darkness. Off the top of my head, I can't think of another faith-based film aimed at pre-teen African Americans, especially girls. Writer-director Tina Gordon understands the audience for her film, and smartly uses music and an immensely talented singer (or singers) to convey the message. Where this one seems to go off-track is having four other co-writers involved: Camilla Blackett, and the Murder Ink writing team of Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana, and Jana Savage. We don't know who wrote what here, however since very few scenes or lines of dialogue strike as realistic, it seems a broad brush of blame is deserved.
Sam (5-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey) is on her way from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Her mother died a year earlier, and she's been a hand full for her frustrated dad (Philip Fornah) since. He's hoping her psychologist Uncle (Kendrick Cross) can reach her in ways that he hasn't been able to. Sam has a rebellious streak and is an aspiring singer-songwriter. Her cousin Jess (Angelika Washington) is over-the-top energetic and upbeat, and thrilled to have her "Sister Cousin" join her in The Oil Factory, the gospel singing group run out of the church headed by Pastor Goodman (Tristan Mack Wilds), a reformed man himself.
Prior to Sam joining, The Oil Factory flops at a performance so badly that they likely missed out on a participation trophy. Of course, Sam sees herself as too cool for gospel, but crossing paths with rising star Ty (rapper Quavo) provides an opening, and Sam's amazing talent immediately makes this rag tag group a contender at the competitions. And you can surely guess that along the way, Sam has the opportunity to learn some tough life lessons.
One might think this sounds eerily similar to PITCH PERFECT (2012), but what's missing here that was present there, is comedy that works and characters that can be related to. This film offers up a slew of characters, but only Sam and Jess are given even the slightest chance to create a full person. The rest are simply chess pieces in a formulaic game that lacks a punch. On the bright side, despite the presence of multiple pastors, very little actual preaching occurs. And there is a glimpse at the contrast between powerhouse (mega-money) churches, and organic congregations sharing a purpose.
Despite the many flaws and disappointments, we are left with no doubt that Chloe Bailey is the real deal as a singer. The script lets her down in being unable to convince us that her character Sam has matured and learned her life lessons well, but there is a message here, no matter how choppy and fragmented the presentation plays out.
Streaming on Peacock beginning April 7, 2023.
