REVIEW: Exhibiting Forgiveness Is the Year's Most Powerful, Must See Film

MOVIE REVIEW: Titus Kaphar's Exhibiting Forgiveness Is the Year's Most Powerful, Must See Film

“Exhibiting Forgiveness,” directed by Titus Kaphar, is a moving exploration of father & son dynamics set against the deeply personal journey of reconciling the past. The film follows Tarrell (played by André Holland), a young up and coming artist who is forced to confront the traumatic memories of his father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a once absent and abusive figure now seeking forgiveness. This emotionally intense reunion takes place at the home of Tarrell’s mother, Joyce (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), whose own faith complicates the dynamics of the two, pressing them for reconciliation.

Kaphar, a celebrated artist, injects his distinctive aesthetic into the film, blending his visual artistry with his storytelling to stunning effect. This is particularly evident in the interplay between past memories and present day narratives, where the scenes are periodically transformed by surreal interludes of Kaphar’s very own paintings, serving as windows into Tarrell’s inner struggles. Cinematographer Lachlan Milne captures these moments with a painterly approach, giving the film a strikingly intimate, almost magical realism quality, seamlessly blending past and present in a uniquely beautiful way. The use of color and composition becomes a language of its own, reflecting the complexity of forgiving, or even understanding, a fractured family history.

Exhibiting Forgiveness' power also lies in the performances. Holland brings depth to Tarrell’s conflicting emotions—both his hesitance and his longing—especially when reliving the scars left by his father’s past actions. Jelks, as La’Ron, portrays the delicate balance between remorse and resilience, capturing a character who has definitely evolved in some ways yet remains marked by his history in others. Kaphar’s decision to make Holland train as a painter adds authenticity to Tarrell’s character, allowing audiences to see the artist’s struggle to process and express his unresolved emotions through his work - just as Kaphar himself has.

Andra Day is once again a revelation, as is Ellis-Taylor playing supporting roles, both literally and figuratively. The four main cast members elevate an already elevated meditation on forgiveness to the upper echelons of debut films.

“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is a rare and layered depiction of personal healing that neither simplifies NOR excuses the pain of the past. Kaphar questions traditional notions of redemption, illustrating that while some wounds may never fully heal, they can inspire powerful art. This film is a tribute to resilience, the power of self-expression, and the complicated road to forgiveness, making it a rich, thought-provoking experience and the most powerful, must see film of the year.

Listen to my interviews with Titus Kaphar and stars André Holland, Andra Day & John Earl Jelks in this episode of Pop Culture Weekly.

___________________________

Check out Kyle Mcmahon and subscribe to the Pop Culture Weekly podcast. You can follow him on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram and check out his official Amazon Store.