By: MJ Asuncion
One Spoon of Chocolate is a high-velocity action thriller filled with drama, heart, intense fight sequences and real world truths. Geared to be an “audience film,” it saw its world premiere at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival to a large captive audience. The film is heavy with brutal confrontations and harrowing danger, has a provocative and sometimes uncomfortable plot line, but is also sprinkled with comedic undertones.
Set in a quiet town in Ohio, the film follows ex-military member turned convict Unique (Shameik Moore), as he seeks to find a fresh start. He relocates from the city to Ohio in order to link up with his cousin, Ramsey (RJ Cyler), who openly welcomes him into his home. Not long after, it is evident that staying away from trouble is not in the cards for Unique, as he soon encounters injustice and unprovoked racial violence. Quickly things escalate when the horrible secret the town harbors is exposed, led by the vicious agenda of a racist sheriff and his equally bigoted son.
The film stars Shameik Moore, RJ Cyler, Harry Goodwins, Paris Jackson, Emyri Crutchfield, Johnell Young and Blair Underwood. Leading this ensemble cast Moore as Unique and Harry Goodwins as Jimmy stand out as the main protagonist and antagonist of the story. Moore’s quiet, respectful and resolute nature is a direct contrast to Goodwins’ loud, obnoxious, innately violent character. Moore has a subdued intensity that jumps off the screen when unleashed. Harry Goodwins portrayal of Jimmy is flawless, completely exuding fear and hatred. In a small but pivotal role, Isaiah Hill (Swagger) also does an incredible job in setting up the story in the opening sequence.
Written and directed by RZA, the movie One Spoon of Chocolate is his fourth and boldest film yet. Co-produced along with Paul Hall and Talani Diggs, the feature is the combination of all of his inspirations from other films. RZA is a rapper, producer, composer, actor, filmmaker and the mastermind of the legendary hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. However, One Spoon of Chocolate has been a passion project that is thirteen years in the making and truly showcases the artist’s growth as a director and filmmaker. It brings a necessary social commentary into a well-crafted gritty story with deep emotional depth. Cinematographer Brandon Cox, production designer Ryan Sbarrata, supervising sound editor Greg Hedgepath and costume designer Lorraine Coppin all contributed to amplifying the tone and setting the pace of the film with dramatic imagery, cinematic visuals, expert sound and well-suited costumes.
In today’s social and cultural climate, it feels like a necessary time for a film like One Spoon of Chocolate. Amidst the blood and brutality lies a clear message of acceptance, tolerance, equality and love. The film is meant to stir up emotions and inspire change. Even though One Spoon of Chocolate is not for everyone as some of the scenes are a bit difficult to digest, I feel the film is one not to miss.