The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give is adapted from Angie Thomas’ YA novel, a fictional story inspired by real life events and the #blacklivesmatter movement. The specific lettering of the title signals its YA routes, and it is primarily aimed at that audience, but the origins of the phrase plays an important role in both plot and theme, in what is effectively a contemporary parable. 

The film arrives after a considered platform release in the US, with word-of-mouth being a big factor in marketing such a ‘message’ movie. It is very humble, straight, honest and hugely important. In a country currently so bitterly divided on so many fronts, this is a valuable grass-roots message for all young Americans. Notably, distributors in the US offered free screenings to teenagers in many areas across the country.

There is a distinction to be made between a critical review of a film on artistic merit and its social importance or the context surrounding its release. Film can be a vessel for a message bigger than itself, which is exactly what we’ve got here.

The filmmaking is competent – it looks good, and all the basic elements are there, while getting out of the way and maintaining the clarity of the message, amplified by the nature and the inherent outrage of the events unfolding on screen. It’s as harrowing as it should be for its intended audience. It’s not lean like Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, and doesn’t have the ferocity of Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit, but it’s the same message, delivered in a more mainstream package.

The performances are uniformly good; Amanda Stenberg is excellent as Starr, whose life these events revolve around. She is the MVP, and the choric role. The young protagonists are well drawn and the film has these discussions about different levels of racism in language and settings that are recognisable and relatable. While events that propel the story are extraordinary, there’s a horrible sense of familiarity and inevitability. Those viewers who will be more familiar with the themes raised are not excused – it’s clear that the problems being broached are the responsibility of everyone.

An issues film that is not condescending or lecturing to its young audience. This might well be one of the more important films of recent years in terms of its potential reach, influence and timeliness. 

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