Here’s a Sundance 2019 entry you’re going to want to keep an eye on -Julius Onah’sLuce. The movie features an exceptional performance fromKelvin Harrison Jr.as Luce, a young man who grew up in a war-torn region of Africa before being adopted by a couple (Naomi WattsandTim Roth) living in Arlington, Virginia. They create a wonderful life for Luce and he seizes the opportunity, becoming an A student and a shining symbol for the community. When one of his teachers (Octavia Spencer) gives him an assignment to write in the voice of a historical figure, Luce hands in a piece that taps into political violence in a way that persuades this teacher to search his locker.
Luceis an extremely challenging watch. Rather than offer up defined answers, Onah’s film challenges the viewer to assess stereotype, societal pressures, and the repercussions of making assumptions. It was a real treat to have Onah, Harrison Jr., Watts, Roth and also co-starsAndrea BangandMarsha Stephanie Blakeswing by the Collider Studio at Sundance becauseLuceis one phenomenal discussion piece. Catch the full conversation about Onah’s experience developing the movie, the ways the cast connected to their characters, and so much more in the video interview at the top of this article. There’s also a full interview breakdown below. And don’t forget; give Adam Chitwood’s review ofLucea readright here.
I’d also like to take a moment to give special thanks to our Collider Studio partner, the all new2020 Kia Telluride, which was transporting filmmakers to our studio in celebration of the debut of the all new model, Kia’s first eight-passenger SUV that is several inches longer and wider than the brand’s award-winning Sorento.
Libations were also flowing at the Collider Studio with parties hosted byLIFEWTR, Tequila Comisario, Sensi Tuscany Wines, Blue Moon Belgian WhiteandDragonfly Coffee Roasters. Food during the parties was provided byGreene St. Kitchen of Palms Casino Resortlead by Chef Du CuisineLanny Chin. Brand partners active during the day includedmou, a luxury footwear and accessories line, andThe Wild Immersionendorsed by Jane Goodall who was on-site with the world’s first “virtual reserve.”
Julius Onah, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Andrea Bang & Marsha Stephanie Blake:
Here’s the official Sundance synopsis forLuce:
It’s been ten years since Amy and Peter Edgar (Naomi Watts and Tim Roth) adopted their son from war-torn Eritrea, and they thought the worst was behind them. Luce Edgar (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) has become an all-star student beloved by his community in Arlington, Virginia. His African American teacher, Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer), believes he is a symbol of black excellence that sets a positive example for his peers. But when he is assigned to write an essay in the voice of a historical twentieth-century figure, Luce turns in a paper that makes an alarming statement about political violence. Worried about how this assignment reflects upon her star pupil, Harriet searches his locker and finds something that confirms her worst fears.
