Fruitvale Station

R

Released Jul 26, 2013

1 hr. 25 min.

Drama

List

94%

215 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Though he once spent time in San Quentin, 22-year-old black man Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) is now trying hard to live a clean life and support his girlfriend (Melonie Diaz) and young daughter (Ariana Neal). Flashbacks reveal the last day in Oscar's life, in which he accompanied his family and friends to San Francisco to watch fireworks on New Year's Eve, and, on the way back home, became swept up in an altercation with police that ended in tragedy. Based on a true story.

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Critics Consensus

Passionate and powerfully acted, Fruitvale Station serves as a celebration of life, a condemnation of death, and a triumph for star Michael B. Jordan.

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KB B

This was such an awesome film with exceptional acting and storyline. Octavia Spencer was superb as usual. It's definitely worth the watch.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/12/24

Full Review

D M

What a powerful movie with equally a powerful message. I can't think of a single person who shouldn't see this movie. 👏🏼

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

Full Review

Christian K

Very effective at what it quickly and succinctly shows, a bullshit and avoidable tragedy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

Full Review

Gareth v

A powerful, unnerving film that at times is not easy to watch and packs a hell of a punch in it's 85mins. One of 2013's best movies

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/23

Full Review

Jacks D

One of the greatest films ever.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Fruitvale Station is the heartbreaking story of Oscar Grant's unjust murder by the hands of law enforcement. It is impossible to talk about this film without discussing the landscape of America today. This film was released in 2013, the murder occurred in 2009, and yet this same exact story is flashed on our timelines on a monthly basis. Nothing has changed. It is sick and disgusting that we live in a country where police can brutalize American citizens without any repercussions. We need change! For Oscar Grant, for George Floyd, for Breonna Taylor, for every American who has been murdered by the officers sworn to protect us… As for the movie, Ryan Coogler handled this topic beautifully, showcasing the life of Oscar Grant and the beautiful aspects of his family, friends, and personality. It was paced well, allowing the audience to form a deep bond with Grant, which makes the ending all the more tragic. There is fantastic cinematography and amazing performances from the entire cast. Michael B Jordan is superb, giving an incredibly nuanced performance by having a rough and manly exterior with a soft and kind inside. His drive to good for his family is shown by not only his actions but by his facial expressions when he interacts with his daughter. It was stellar. The emotional scenes are impactful, and they linger for an uncomfortable period of time, letting the gravity of what occurred sit with you. Overall, no matter how great this film is, it should have never needed to be made and that is the true tragedy of Fruitvale Station. Score: 81% Verdict: Great

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

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Ryan Coogler

Director

Michael B. Jordan

Oscar

Octavia Spencer

Wanda

Melonie Diaz

Sophina

Ahna O'Reilly

Katie

Kevin Durand

Officer Caruso

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Fikri

Autostraddle

First-time director Ryan Coogler chose to tell Grant's story as a narrative instead of a documentary to centre his voice and his life, in the process raising important questions about police brutality and the value of black lives.

Jul 13, 2021

Full Review

Jenna Marotta

indieWire

Fruitvale Station offers no social remedies, but by recreating Grant's final hours, it actualizes him as a man, not just a rally cry.

Mar 31, 2020

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

While Fruitvale Station is elevated by Jordan's portrayal, the supporting cast, whose characters surround Oscar even during his most internal struggles, is also magnetic to watch.

Rated: A-

Sep 7, 2017

Full Review

Jeffrey Peterson

Indie Film Minute

Coogler’s Fruitvale Station is less about American violence and more about American vulnerability. Specifically, the lack thereof.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 1, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Minus a few small stumbles, which can be expected from a first time filmmaker, “Fruitvale Station” is still an emotionally powerful film that puts a spotlight on an unfortunate tragedy.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 21, 2022

Full Review

Jason Adams

My New Plaid Pants

For something attempting to be intimate, it's instead kind of smothering

Jan 14, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Though he once spent time in San Quentin, 22-year-old black man Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) is now trying hard to live a clean life and support his girlfriend (Melonie Diaz) and young daughter (Ariana Neal). Flashbacks reveal the last day in Oscar's life, in which he accompanied his family and friends to San Francisco to watch fireworks on New Year's Eve, and, on the way back home, became swept up in an altercation with police that ended in tragedy. Based on a true story.

Director: Ryan Coogler
Executive Producer: Michael Y. Chow, Lisa Kleiner-Chanoff, John Kwok, Octavia Spencer
Screenwriter: Ryan Coogler
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Production Co: Signature Productions
Rating: R (Some Drug Use|Language Throughout|Some Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 26, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 16, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.1M

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