EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS
Starring André Holland, Andra Day, John Earl Jelks, Ian Foreman, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jamie Ray Newman, and Matthew Elam
Director: Titus Kaphar
KATIE
Exhibiting Forgiveness is a poignant film that explores family trauma through a father-and-son relationship damaged by a history of abuse. First-time director Titus Kaphar’s artistic style and talent are clear in the film, which features his stunning paintings and sculptures throughout, and uses them very effectively to explore emotional trauma. The cast is incredible and swept me up in the gripping emotional drama, particularly André Holland’s raw performance as Tarrell. Unlike other films focused on estranged relationships, Exhibiting Forgiveness doesn’t view reconciliation as a prerequisite for forgiveness, resulting in a nuanced, tentatively hopeful film that will stick with me.
AMARÚ
Exhibiting Forgiveness is a gorgeous film. First time writer-director Titus Kaphar captures images as vibrant and light-filled as one of his paintings, and starting the movie depicting how artistry should allow people to live brought a brightness that was sorely needed in this heavy story. André Holland is outstanding as a father trying not to pass on his trauma, a son trying to move on from his past, and an artist trying to capture the love and pain of it all. He and his co-stars capture the complicated nature of forgiveness and redemption, and the light you choose to find in life’s darkness.
ADRIANO
Occasionally, I'll watch a directorial debut in disbelief that what I'm watching is from a first-timer. My latest experience, Exhibiting Forgiveness, is the writing/directing debut of Titus Kaphar (a painter), and although it can be familiar, the film takes a sincere approach to the idea of... well, forgiveness. It's not easy, nor is it always fair, but forgiving others and yourself for past trauma is as healing for you as it is for them. Mix that with an excellent ensemble and cinematography that is stunning but not glossy, you've got yourself a wonderful hidden gem that deserves to be found.
