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Dayveon

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2:16

Dayveon

Released Sep 13, 2017

1h 15m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

56%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Struggling with his older brother's death, 13-year-old Dayveon spends the sweltering summer days roaming the streets of his rural Arkansas town. With no parents and few role models, he soon falls in with a local gang. Though his sister's boyfriend tries to provide stability and comfort as a reluctant father figure, Dayveon becomes increasingly drawn into the camaraderie and violence of his new world.

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Austin Williams

Shadow and Act

This film is a valuable piece of storytelling, transcribing pivotal moments in the lives of many of our boys.

Sep 18, 2017

Full Review

Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

Although the path taken by Dayveon and the plotting are well-traveled, 28-year-old filmmaker Abbasi does some intriguing things with tone and texture ...

Sep 14, 2017

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Alan Scherstuhl

Village Voice

No interaction here feels staged or false, though the film itself is often strikingly composed.

Sep 13, 2017

Full Review

Marisa Carpico

The Pop Break

Luckily, Dayveon is worth every penny. Quiet and powerful, it's a film that takes a familiar story and makes it feel new. So, take the risk. You won't regret it.

Rated: 8.5/10

Dec 25, 2018

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Christopher Llewellyn Reed

Hammer to Nail

[Director] Amman Abbasi ... pulls no punches in his evocation of hopelessness and despair amongst this particular African-American community in the Deep South.

Jan 25, 2018

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Bill Arceneaux

Film Threat

A story that doesn't quite live up to its spirit filled images and lofty vision, but will sting no matter what? Lay off the honey, this writer says to himself.

Rated: 2.5/5

Nov 2, 2017

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Audience Member

Decent low budget indie that could have afforded to be 20 or 30 minutes longer allowing the filmmakers to develop the sympathetic frontline characters far deeper.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Audience Member

Very good direction, pretty good story

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

I really enjoyed the film. It was very raw; and I could see it being overwhelming to some who have not grown up in that environment. But I have personally been around these type of characters, and I can say that what they portrayed is real. I've read some reviews that said the script was undeveloped. Maybe, but the truth of the matter is...that was their lives. Hopeless and broke, just trying to make a buck to pay bills and put food on the table. Days spent doing nothing but smoking drugs, listening to music and talking about women or chasing them. There were two things that I really liked. First, I loved the contrast of seeing Dayveon being thrown into an unscrupulous adult world, and him still being very much a kid. Seeing him smiling, laughing, riding his bike, making jokes, and just being a kid gives the audience hope or a glimpse of light...that hey, this kid still has two paths he can take. The other aspect of the movie that I really liked was the relationship between his sister and her boyfriend. Usually the people in these type of films that are meant to be the adults and role models are just as bad as the kids themselves. It's true that mom and dad weren't around, but two people were. A man and a woman. Although they weren't technically married, they carried their relationship as such. They were warm and gentle and loving with each other. I didn't see any arguing or fighting or jealous accusations. Their relationship was simple, trust and respect. Although that's a real part of the African-American life, we don't get to see that portrayal a lot so kudos! Finally, I know it would've been a daunting task. But I would've loved to see them get rid of the hive middle or end.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

The soundtrack and cinematography alone make the movie worth watching

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/19

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Audience Member

Great Movie, It definitely shows the real life struggles and obstacles some face daily in certain cities, & towns being a young African American male. It truly hits home to alot of people with similar stories.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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Audience Member

Great movie itâ(TM)s artistic and beautiful

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

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Amman Abbasi

Director

Devin Blackmon

Dayveon

Dontrell Bright

Brian

Kordell Johnson

Brayden

Chasity Moore

Kim

Lachion Buckingham

Mook

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Dayveon: Trailer 1

2:16

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Synopsis

Struggling with his older brother's death, 13-year-old Dayveon spends the sweltering summer days roaming the streets of his rural Arkansas town. With no parents and few role models, he soon falls in with a local gang. Though his sister's boyfriend tries to provide stability and comfort as a reluctant father figure, Dayveon becomes increasingly drawn into the camaraderie and violence of his new world.

Director: Amman Abbasi
Producer: Amman Abbasi, Lachion Buckingham, Alexander Uhlmann
Screenwriter: Amman Abbasi, Steven Reneau
Distributor: FilmRise
Production Co: Symbolic Exchange, Salem Street Entertainment, Muskat Filmed Properties, Mama Bear Studios, Rough House Pictures, Meridian Entertainment
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 13, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 26, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.2K
Runtime: 1h 15m

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