Blackbird

R

2014

1h 42m

Drama

LGBTQ+

List

45%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

56%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Randy, a devout high school choir boy, struggles with his sexuality while living in his conservative Mississippi town. His mother blames him for his sister's disappearance as his father guides him into manhood.

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Shadow and Act Staff

Shadow and Act

Walker does a solid job in his first major film role opposite veterans...

Sep 13, 2022

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Despite what could have been a breakthrough performance for Walker, Blackbird becomes just a well-intentioned melodrama that lacks the focus it needs to truly soar.

Rated: D+

Sep 1, 2017

Full Review

Andy Webster

New York Times

Despite its sense of mission, the film suffers from soapy excesses and narrative disjunctures.

Apr 26, 2015

Full Review

Danielle Davenport

One Room With A View

Despite the various inconsistencies, this is a well made, emotionally engaging and entertaining watch.

Rated: 3/5

May 14, 2019

Full Review

Alexander Ryll

Gay Essential

Essentially a play and two films within a film, Blackbird from writer and director Patrik-Ian Polk cleverly combines race, sexuality, religion and small town values.

Rated: 8

Nov 3, 2018

Full Review

David Noh

Film Journal International

Patrik-Ian Polk makes a huge artistic leap with this deeply affecting, funny and original peek at one confused youth's coming out process.

Apr 24, 2015

Full Review

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Mathieu H

This beautiful, touching movie about the path to self-acceptance of a young gay black chorister, his relationship with family, friends, religion and art (they are rehearsing a gay Romeo and Juliet) is so wrongfully underrated... The acting, very sincere and refreshing from young actors, the dialogues and the soundtrack of this film make it a must watch if you're into LGBT-related movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Da Homiee

Charismatic young teen trying to find who he truly is. Living in a overly religious household is not always easy. Black Bird shows what it's like to be a gay black male where you can't be your self .

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/19/22

Full Review

Audience Member

I personally resignation with the story characters and overall message. I constantly recommend it to my friends and even watched it on second dates. I see myself in the main character.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

lisa s

Has got to be the MOST horribly acted movie of the decade. I would be embarrassed in I was an actor in this movie. Overacting, poor direction, ridiculous writing and totally sappy. This is the type of movie where all the 'washed up' actors who have burned their bridges in Hollywood are just thrown together. 'Monique' and Isiah Washington top the list. Isiah Washington is a total idiot. Was on a fantastic series and just totally messed up. This movie just happen to be on cable and I decided to watch. Shame on me.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing film dealing with discovery, love acceptance and loss.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I really enjoyed it....it was a tear jerker at the end

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

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Patrik-Ian Polk

Director

Lindsay Seim

Libby

Isaiah Washington

Lance Rousseau

Mo'Nique

Claire Rousseau

Nicole Lovince

Justine

Terrell Tilford

Pastor Crandall

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Critics Consensus: The Age of Adaline is Charming But Uneven

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Synopsis

Randy, a devout high school choir boy, struggles with his sexuality while living in his conservative Mississippi town. His mother blames him for his sister's disappearance as his father guides him into manhood.

Director: Patrik-Ian Polk
Screenwriter: Rikki Beadle Blair, Patrik-Ian Polk
Production Co: KBiz Entertainment, Tall Skinny Black Boy Productions
Rating: R (Some Drug Use|All Involving Teens|Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $75.0K
Runtime: 1h 42m

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