Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman is based on the absolutely bonkers but bona fide true tale of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington—yes, Denzel’s son), the first African American detective in the Colorado Springs police force who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in an undercover sting in the 1970s. He even became a card-carrying member of the organization! He did it by passing as white over the phone (pre-caller ID, folks!) while his Jewish partner Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) posed as Stallworth at the meetings.

The story takes some broad strokes and there are several jarring tonal shifts—from a goofy sequence superimposing the posters from blaxploitation films of the early 70s over the action, to powerful but perplexing 2017 news footage—yet somehow BlacKkKlansman lands on its feet.

It evokes an authentic period feel thanks to Lee’s knowledge of the era. The cinematic techniques by director of photography by Chayse Irvin are bolstered by an excellent soul soundtrack and ambient score by Terence Blanchard, and the costumes by Marci Rodgers are heightened as ensembles but are indeed 100% accurate.

What really holds BlacKkKlansman together is its cast. Washington and Driver are excellent, both together and apart. They are a completely believable team. Laura Harrier plays college activist leader Patrice, with whom Ron falls in love while working undercover. Ron remains loyal to the force, but he’s equally moved by Patrice’s righteousness. Topher Grace turns in a stalwart performance as calm, cool and collected Grand Wizard David Duke, while Jasper Pääkkönen as wild-eyed yokel henchmen Felix brings both comedy and chills into the mix.

BlacKkKlansman has already wowed the crowd at Cannes, but “Will it play in Peoria?” Probably not—let’s face it, this movie is not going to get David Duke to start using the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag—but for those who are interested in the history of police procedure, politics and social injustice, it’s an eye-opening must-see.

Rated R

2 Hours 15 Minutes

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