The story of Emmett Till is one that most of us can’t imagine occurring within the borders of the United States. That it was less than 70 years ago is a further testament to the racial injustices that were common play at the time – and sadly can still be found today.
“Till” is a 2022 biographical drama that tells the events of August 1955, when a fourteen-year-old boy from Chicago was senselessly murdered in the bowels of Mississippi for speaking to a white woman out of turn. The film was directed by Chinonye Chukwu, who co-wrote with Michael Reilly and Keith Beauchamp.
The Till Family
While named for Emmett Till, the central character in the story is his mother. Mamie Till’s actions in the aftermath of tragedy are an igniting force for the Civil Rights Movement – specifically the Act of 1957. Most of us know the details of the crime, but the story of Mamie is where the piece distinguishes itself from other productions that highlight this era.
In August of 1955, Mamie Till (Danielle Deadwyler) resides in Chicago with her son, Emmett (Jalyn Hall). The opening of the film sets the stage as Emmett is about to travel via train to the Mississippi Delta to visit his cousins. Mamie is reluctant, and we witness her being terrified of a seemingly benign trip to visit family. “He just doesn’t understand how things are different in Mississippi.”
Great Performances
Danielle Deadwyler is the lead and does a fantastic job in the role. Mamie Till is a complex character. She is a single mom who has an extremely close and touching relationship with her only child. Her fears of sending him to Mississippi are rooted in personal experiences but overshadowed by her love for him and his desire to travel. It’s a deeply touching and emotional performance. Deadwyler delivers in grief, passion, anger, and perseverance as Mamie experiences it all.
Jalyn Hall does an excellent job as Emmett Till. We get a real sense for a young man made famous by his premature death. Through Hall’s performance, we see Emmett as a fun-loving, easy-going kid. Always smiling and joking, Hall brings justice to the real-life Emmett.
I also enjoyed the performance of Sean Patrick Thomas as Mamie’s boyfriend, Gene. While not on screen as much as Deadwyler and Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas delivers when it counts. He’s a supporting figure for both Mamie and Emmett.
A Film
Chinonye Chukwu takes a harrowing event and crafts a film. I felt like I was transported back in time to 1950s Mississippi. It’s set in late summer, and I felt the humidity, despite watching it on a winter night. There’s an old timey feel to the filters, costumes, and setting. The rural farmlands and stoic courtroom make for perfect visuals. The score, handled by Abel Korzeniowski, is a haunting addition at setting the period.
Chukwu shows a balance and contrast of white and black, city and country, and the speed of the north versus the slow pace of the south. I also thought it important to include moments of racism happening to Mamie in Chicago – which demonstrate to the viewer that hatred can and is to be found anywhere.
“Till” is tough to watch, but that’s the point. As we slip through Black History Month, I recommend watching this picture for its historical relevance and high-quality production.
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