“The Knife” Brings Some Misunderstood Family Strife!

“The Knife” Plot: After the mysterious appearance of a stranger in their home, a young Black family must deal with the fallout of their choices, big and small, as a steadfast detective tries to crack the case throughout one fateful night! This is the Directorial Debut of Nnamdi Asomugha.

It’s More Than Just A Knife

        “The Knife” delves deeply into the racial anxieties permeating society during this period. The narrative unfolds when a white woman, gravely injured, is discovered unconscious on the floor of a Black family’s living room. The situation is fraught with tension, as the family grapples with the gravity of the incident and the societal implications of a white woman potentially dying in their home.  

      Fearing the consequences and the potential for racial backlash, they make the difficult decision to call the police, feeling a mix of anxiety and dread about how they will be perceived. As they collectively discuss how to present the events to law enforcement, their suspicions lead them to prepare their accounts carefully, attempting to ensure that their stories align to avoid any misinterpretations.

Is This Honest Protection?

       In a desperate act to manipulate the emerging narrative, Alexandra takes the drastic step of placing a knife next to the unconscious woman. This calculated move raises the stakes, introducing a layer of deception and further complicating the family’s predicament as they navigate the treacherous waters of race, crime, and survival in a society marred by fear and prejudice.

        Maybe they wouldn’t have to construct a false narrative if Chris could clearly remember the precise sequence of events from that night. After all, he had taken some prescription pills before going to bed, which likely clouded his memory.

The Loopholes in Theory …

         Alexandra cuts through the complexities of the discussion with a bold and unambiguous statement: “You’re a Black man in America, Chris.” Her words are strikingly direct and lack the subtlety that might have enhanced their impact. However, they serve to underscore the stark and often harsh reality that Chris must navigate as a Black man in a society that frequently scrutinizes and judges individuals based on the color of their skin. This statement lays bare the systemic challenges he faces, highlighting the weight of societal expectations and prejudices that can shape his everyday experiences.

Stating The Obvious!

      Although this may be Asomugha’s first directorial effort, the film presents a thought-provoking exploration of perceptions and the dangers of making judgments based on incomplete information. One of its significant themes is racism. While the characters do not explicitly identify as racists, their body language and reactions vividly convey underlying biases, particularly when the police encounter a white woman in a Black person’s home. The initial reactions of the officers, illustrated by their disapproving looks toward the family, effectively highlight the assumptions made in that moment.

     While I believe the film’s core message is powerful and worthy of an “A,” there are aspects of its execution that could be improved, leading me to rate it overall as a “C.” With further development in some areas, Asomugha could elevate future projects to an even higher standard.