Transitioning from in front of the camera to behind it, One Night In Miami marks Academy Award winner Regina King's directorial debut. A fictional account of a real night centring around four Black American icons, King translates Kemp Powers stageplay into the medium of film. In February 1964, Muhammed Ali (Eli Goree), Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr) and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), who are all still growing into the icons they would become, meet to change the course of history in the segregated South.
Identity and ideology are at the heart of One Night In Miami, a fascinating meeting of minds that provides us the opportunity to spend time with four icons of American history. Driven by mostly well-written dialogue that encapsulates attitudes, experiences and fears relevant to both the 60s setting and (unfortunately) contemporary society, Powers screenplay is a topical and poignant piece that operates strongest as a snapshot 'moment in time' portrait that similarly looks to the future to emphasise the progress that has been made - but also the lack of it, too. It may require a little more energy in the first half but soon discovers a rhythm that results in a stronger second half.
King approach is more delicate than you may expect but packed with such heart, possessing a clear respect for the material she is contending with. Allowing the characters and the dialogue to breathe as she does strengthens the dynamics we see play out in front of us, painting more detailed portraits of the characters and their world through her understated yet assured work. Enhancing her direction further is the wonderful production design and lighting, photographed well by Tami Reiker, that alone works in justifying this screen translation, at least visually.
A uniformly excellent cast thrive with the space that King has afforded them. Playing these figures with grace and credibility, the actors are less concerned with impersonating these individuals that more fully embodying them and it makes for a more powerful experience. Everybody carries their weight, a true ensemble effort with Ben-Adir and Odom Jr, in particular, registering some of their career-best work to date. All four would be worthy of attention and plaudits as we wade into a very unusual award season.
An electrifying concept executed effectively, One Night In Miami is a consistently solid picture and impressive vehicle for King to make her debut with. While it doesn't quite escape its stage origins, lacking a cinematic flair, it is strong enough in nearly every other filmmaking aspect to shine. It's worth considering whether this film will resonate as well - both in terms of audience reception and award season potential - on this side of the pond, but there's a universality to the themes and discussions that should transcend cultural differences, with King confidentially bringing the stage play to a new audience.
Summary: A safe yet solid screen adaptation that works best as an actor showcase and 'moment in time' portrait of some of America's most influential figures, Regina King impresses in her directorial debut with the resonant and powerful One Night In Miami.