*Warning: Minor spoilers ahead*
There is nothing quite like watching a Spike Lee joint. One moment, you're cackling at a clever one-liner and the next, you're either on the verge of tears or trying to dissect the layers of symbolism. It's why I've long admired the iconic director, who clearly has a knack for challenging fans through his powerful storytelling ability (see: Do the Right Thing). So of course, when I saw that his drama film, Pass Over, recently hit Amazon Prime, I just had to check it out.
To offer some background, the 2018 film is an adaptation of Antoinette Nwandu’s play of the same name. It's essentially a cross between the Biblical story of Passover and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, where Moses (Jon Michael Hill) and Kitch (Julian Parker), two homeless Black men, dream of going to the “promised land.” However, despite their continued efforts, they remain trapped in a cycle they can’t seem to escape.
Although the poignant story was partly inspired by the shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012, it actually resonates even more deeply today, following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent outrage. But aside from its relevancy, it's worth noting that Pass Over is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Not only was I blown away by the cinematography, but I also cannot quit thinking about that chilling final scene (don’t worry, I won’t give it away). Here’s why I think you should add this gem to your queue.