I got the chance to watch Emergency at SXSW, a film that has currently been making its way around the film circuit, and it’s making some serious noise. When I read the synopsis I thought this sounded like a fun movie with the potential for some great comedy. Added to that with a cast that includes the likes of RJ Cyler (who plays Sean in the film) who was excellent in The Harder They Fall, and Power Rangers. With a great cast, and some previous buzz, I had to check this out for myself. Let me be very direct here, I was not at all ready for what I actually watched, because it blew my socks off!, so without any further ado, let’s get into it.
Directed by Carey Williams, Emergency tells a story of two black college seniors on the precipice of graduating. The heavy lifting is basically done, and now all that’s left is to finish out their undergraduate program with one of the most unforgettable nights of their college experience. Seven exclusive frat parties in one night, the ‘Legendary Tour’. Things get complicated, when Kunle (Donald Elise Watkins), and Sean find a young white girl passed out in their living room. Panic sets in as Sean plays out the scenario in his head expecting that if they call the cops and see two young black men over a drunk white girl, things will go from bad to worse. With the help of their latino roommate Carlos (Sebastian Chacon), the trio attempt to get the girl the medical help she needs, without attracting anyone unwanted interest, but the night very quickly derails.
I usually prefer to write a shorter synopsis, however, the details in this film deserve the space to be understood because what the film manages to achieve still has me in awe.
First and foremost, the comedy in this film was brilliant. The dialogue is fast and witty, and ridiculous in nature which feels perfectly at home on a University campus surrounded by intoxicated college kids. Cyler, and Watkins, are a perfect pair as the foundation for the humor in this film as their two personalities appear so heavily differing. Upon closer inspection though, you can see how Kunle grounds Sean, and how Sean hypes up Kunle, as they play off of each other perfectly. In this case, opposites DO attract.
The on screen chemistry between these two extremely talented young actors surpasses their abilities to deliver on a comedic take however, as they get into much heavier tones later in the film. When called upon for the moment, they dive deep into a treasure chest of deep rooted emotions and the result is some incredibly poignant performances.
Second, the tension of this film is overwhelming. I used the term apprehensive tension, because the entire film is built upon the real world experiences of people of color suffering from the repeated injustices of systematic racism at the hands of society, with the main culprit being the police force. Nowhere is this more clear than in that moment when Kunle and Sean find the girl passed out in their living room, the weight of their decision feels unimaginable, because while the right thing to do may appear obvious, these are two young black men at an elite college with bright futures ahead them that know damn well what the police assume of them.
That’s just an example of one instance within the film and there are so many more. What Williams has done with this film is staggering, because the pairing of comedy, and fear is so apt that it pulls you into the world he’s created. As the film progresses, the jokes ease off as you feel that noticeable shift in tone as the pressure piles on and seriousness of the situation becomes clear. Williams continues to turn the dial-up until the plot reaches its conclusion in an utterly deafening third act.
The last twenty minutes or so are dispatched with such a ferocious tenacity that you will feel every bloody second.
I will say the first act in the film did hit some pacing issues and felt incredibly abrupt, as the introduction into the world of Sean, and Kunle literally smashes you in the face. In saying that though, everything gets paid off in the conclusion of the film through the experiences of two protagonists.
I do fear for Williams that some may compare this to Jordan Peele’s work, but I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen. Williams’ use of terror comes from real world experiences, and real world threats that exist in a POC’s life on a daily basis. Emergency isn’t designed as an outright horror by utilizing plot devices from the occult, or otherworldly. Instead the film simply depicts the events of two college kids who are consciously weighing their every micro decision like their lives depended on it.
Emergency manages to layer in an incredible depth of tension, while also infusing a level of humor that gives the film some real balance. A story that captures one crazy night before college ends, paired with a horrific event that gradually worsens leading up to an incredibly gripping third act. RJ Cyler, and Donald Elise Watkins are the perfect duo to bring Casey Williams’ story to life. This film will absolutely get people talking, so make sure to go see it!
Rating: 8.5/10
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