REVIEW: The Hate U Give is a Must See for All Ages

Powerful, poignant, and gut-wrenching are just a few of the words to describe Fox 2000’s new film, The Hate U Give. Based on the novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give is the story of Starr Carter, a young woman who has spent the better part of her teenage years switching between two worlds. The first world takes place in the low-income neighborhood of Garden Heights where she lives with her family and the second world takes place at the wealthy preparatory school she attends.

Starr believes both worlds need to remain separate until she witnesses the killing of her childhood, best friend, Khalil at the hands of a police officer during a routine traffic stop. Starr realizes her two worlds may not be as separate as she thought. She is now faced with the task of combining the two worlds and standing up for what she believes in despite all the pressures from both worlds to not.

Amandla Stenberg gives a commanding, breakout performance as Starr. She puts this film on her shoulders and does it with ease. Her ability to showcase both sides of her character is amazing. Stenberg is the brightest star in the film. Russell Hornsby also gives a stellar performance as Starr’s father, Maverick Carter. Hornsby’s Maverick has made some poor judgment calls in the past and is trying to make life better for him and his family. Hornsby is excellent in this role. The pair is joined in the film by KJ Apa (Starr’s boyfriend, Chris), Sabrina Carpenter (Starr’s friend, Hailey), Anthony Mackie (King, a local drug dealer), and Regina Hall (Lisa Carter, Starr’s mother). All do well in the film, but Hornsby and Stenberg are easily the standouts.

The Hate U Give is an intense film and an intense look at the world happening literally right now. Filled with Oscar worthy performances, The Hate U Give is a necessary film everyone must see.

Go this weekend when it opens on Friday, October 5. If you can’t make this weekend, find a time to go while it’s in theaters.

Grade: A