Movie Review: DOPE

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa

Written by Rick Famuyiwa

 Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, and Kiersey Clemons
Playing at Metro Cinema, Friday, Aug 28 until Wednesday, Sept 9th
$9 for students (metrocinema.org)

Dope centers on Malcolm, a bright student from a low-income neighbourhood in Inglewood, Los Angeles whose dream is to attend Harvard University. Malcolm is not deterred by the peers who bully him nor by the high school counsellor who criticizes his goal as unrealistic, his main obstacle occurs after a crush on a girl leads him to attend a drug dealer’s birthday party and he inadvertently brings a backpack full of drugs home with him. Malcolm’s Harvard plans quickly become a subplot as he must focus on staying alive.

Dope addresses similar issues as Straight Outta Compton but does so in a more subtle fashion. For those who subscribe to the belief that humour is a powerful means of social commentary, the film’s underlying themes of racism and hypocrisy of public education in the U.S. are guaranteed to resonate. There is powerful irony in Malcolm’s principal boasting to the local journalist about his commitment to academic success by making the chemistry lab available after-hours, completely oblivious to the fact that students are using the lab to cook illicit drugs. The film’s use of humour is also effective in its criticism of the drug-crazed youth culture that has allowed Diplo to become its spokesperson (the most ridiculous scene involves a girl on molly who squats for a pee on a coffee shop patio).

The film could be enjoyed purely as entertainment due to its multitude of hilarious scenes and frequent references to high fade haircuts and 2Chainz. Yet it would be a disservice to director Rick Famuyiwa’s thoughtful filmmaking to only take the film at face value. Famuyiwa effectively uses humour to take the edge off the intense scenes without undermining the social observations behind them. Moreover, the scenes where humour is absent are communicated with greater impact as a result of the contrast. The school bus scene is a particularly touching portrayal of collective struggle.

Much like its main character, Dope‘s individuality is what sets it apart. With a hugely satisfying ending that is equal parts defiant and inspiring, it is bound to leave a lasting impression while its focus on academia makes it a great watch in preparation for the return to grind season.

You can catch it at Garneau on select evenings until September 9.