Fruitvale Station

Right now you can watch Fruitvale Station in Australia on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel and YouTube TV — and it holds up to as much attention as you give it. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Michael B. Jordan leads a cast that never overplays its hand. Put it on tonight on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Fruitvale Station is worth clearing space for. Character-driven storytelling at its most effective — Fruitvale Station earns every emotional beat it goes for. Oakland, California. Young Afro-American Oscar Grant crosses paths with family members, friends, enemies and strangers before facing his fate on the platform at Fruitvale Station, in the early morning hours of New Year's Day 2009. Michael B. Jordan and Melonie Díaz lead a cast that treats the material with real seriousness. It was released in 2013. Fruitvale Station resists tidy resolutions in a way that respects how messy real consequences actually are. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Drama fans who appreciate slow-burn storytelling will feel right at home with Fruitvale Station. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Michael B. Jordan carries the material with a performance that rewards close attention. Worth starting sooner rather than later.