Teyana Taylor’s portrayal as “Inez” in the Focus Features film “A Thousand And One” is the epitome of Langston Hughes’ poem titled, ‘Harlem,” in which we visualize the impact of having a dream deferred. However, “A Thousand And One” isn’t just a movie; it’s reminiscent of curling up with a good book by the fire and marinating slowly through the scenes, eras, and emotional structure of the characters you encounter along the way.
Many themes are present within this unique yet familiar drama narrative that depicts the rise, fall, and constant plight of being Black in America, emphasizing the experiences presented in Harlem, New York, during the 90s and beyond. Yet, the echoing of the infamous Tyra Banks moment from the Top Model series in which she stated, “I was rooting for you; we were all rooting for you,” resounded loudly through my conscience and made me question if I knew the difference between right and wrong. Therefore “Inez’s” choices were substantial to how her life evolved throughout this story.
If Teyana Taylor doesn’t receive any nominations during the next award season, it will be a travesty beyond measure; she deserves all the things and then some. I became utterly lost in the humanness of “Inez” and the hustle of being a woman born Black.
By the film’s end, I became emotionally tethered to the intricate details of “Inez” and “Terry,” which shook me to the core. Tears filled my eyes as I fought the urge to allow them to fall freely. Knowing what it must have felt like for Inez to wear her tough exterior outwardly to protect the fragileness of her broken heart.
Actor Josiah Cross is brilliant in portraying a young adult “Terry.” Overall, the casting of “Terry” as he grew and matured in the film should also be commended. Actor William Catlett makes it easy for us to be smitten by “Lucky” and his undeniable charm. Despite his faults, “Lucky,” most of the time, spoke his truth even when he had to escape it.
Mostly I can appreciate the warmth of the nostalgia in watching Inez place a quarter in the phone booth to make a call or run her fingers through a phone book to find a telephone number. The hairstyles took me back, too, as I noticed the delicacy of creating the perfect baby hair swoop to match “Inez’s” ponytail swag. Epic 90s throwbacks will hit you like a cool breeze on a hot sunny day.
Overall, “A Thousand And One” is a must-see film, with audiences talking and discussing more after the end of the credits. Watch the winner of the Grand Jury at the Sundance Film Festival, “A Thousand and One,” when it premieres in theaters nationwide on March 31, 2023.
SYNOPSIS- A THOUSAND AND ONE follows unapologetic and free-spirited Inez (Teyana Taylor), who kidnaps her six-year-old son Terry from the foster care system. Holding onto their secret and each other, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.
Writer/Director: A.V. Rockwell
Producers: Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, Brad Weston
Executive Producers: Oren Moverman, Jamin OBrien
Cast: Teyana Taylor, Will Catlett, Josiah Cross, Aven Courtney, Aaron Kingsley Adetola
