About American Son (2019)

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

American Son is a drama television film released in 2019. Based on the Broadway play of the same name by Christopher Demos-Brown, the film tells the story of a divorced interracial couple who reunites in a Florida police station to search for their missing teenage son. The film explores themes of race, privilege, and the criminal justice system, offering a powerful and thought-provoking look into the realities faced by black families in America.

The events of American Son take place over the course of a single night as the couple, Kendra Ellis-Connor (played by Kerry Washington) and Scott Connor (played by Steven Pasquale), anxiously await news about their son's safety. As they interact with a seasoned police officer (played by Jeremy Jordan) and a rookie cop (played by Eugene Lee), tensions rise and unresolved issues between the couple resurface. The film delves into the complexities of their relationship and highlights the systemic challenges faced by black families when dealing with law enforcement.

Making / Production

American Son was directed by Kenny Leon and produced by Jeffrey Richard, Kerry Washington, and Pilar Savone. The film is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed Broadway play, which debuted in 2018. The screenplay was written by Christopher Demos-Brown, who also wrote the original play.

The film was primarily shot in a single location, recreating the police station setting of the play. This decision helps maintain the intense and claustrophobic atmosphere throughout the film, mirroring the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters.

Actors

• Kerry Washington as Kendra Ellis-Connor - Washington delivers a powerful performance as a mother desperately searching for her missing son. She showcases the emotional rollercoaster her character experiences, displaying vulnerability, anger, and determination. Her portrayal highlights the struggles faced by black mothers in the face of a flawed justice system.
• Steven Pasquale as Scott Connor - Pasquale brings depth to the role of Scott, a white father caught in the tension between his ex-wife and the police. His portrayal reflects the complexities of balancing personal biases and the desire to protect his son.
• Jeremy Jordan as Officer Paul Larkin - Jordan takes on the role of a seasoned police officer who handles the case of the missing teenager. He provides a nuanced performance, depicting an officer struggling with his own biases and the pressure of his job.
• Eugene Lee as Officer Stokes - Lee plays the role of a rookie cop who accompanies Officer Larkin. He brings a sense of innocence and naivety to the character, providing a contrasting perspective in the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The original Broadway production of American Son starred Kerry Washington in the leading role, and she reprised her role for the film adaptation.
• Christopher Demos-Brown, the writer of the play and screenplay, is a former attorney who specialized in civil litigation and criminal defense.
• The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances but criticism for the adaptation's limited scope.
• American Son shines a spotlight on the experiences and fears of black parents in America, providing a platform for important discussions about systemic racism and police brutality.

Awards

American Son received several nominations but did not win any major awards.

Quotes

• "Our son is missing, and nobody seems to care!"
• "You don't know what it's like to be a black mother in this country!"
• "Every black boy is a threat until proven otherwise."

Music

The film American Son does not have an original score or soundtrack. However, the emotional intensity of the film is heightened by the silence and ambient sounds of the police station.

Soundtrack

The film American Son does not feature any specific songs or a released soundtrack.