I just had the privilege of "witnessing" and sharing this powerful and moving film. I have to say, that it is simple in design, complex in performance and brilliant in it's natural authenticity. It is not a film that patronizes it's subject matter or characters, but is probably the first time that I have seen true representations of male depression along with the constellation of fear and other emotions that envelop those around him, without being maudlin or cliché. The writer/director captures the energy of numbness in the main character, Tate (a fantastic performance by the way). The supporting characters are each portrayed with an honesty and depth that independent film (or mainstream for that matter) has rarely seen.
I also want to underscore one important point. This is a film that has an emotional heart that a man can understand. So often in films dealing with such highly charged and emotional issues, filmmakers create men who are more "iconic;" TATE is real and as an African-American man myself can honestly say that I have never seen such a real and authentic African-American man on screen; struggling in the way he does made it truly relatable to (I believe) every man. I would strongly encourage other men to not write this movie off as any type of "chick flick" (a term I loathe but it's in the lexicon). Brothers and men...you will feel this one...in your heart, body and soul!
Visually, the film uses light and dark, touchstones of color so well that it truly set's the mood for this exploration into the soul of a man and the horror that isn't as uncommon as one might think or want. I am so impressed with this film because it actually understands why and how film can and should be used to tell a story. At just 80 minutes, the pace is just right and the Director doesn't cheat...doesn't allow any one-dimensional portrayals and certainly doesn't solve or pretend to have "the answer." It's not a Hollywood version of the truth of this situation; what the director, actors and crew have done is allow the audience to witness "a" truth for Tate, his families and friends which then allows those of us who have seen it to begin the real work of healing in our own lives.
