NOW ON TUBI! Originally released circa 2011, Destiny’s Calling is getting a new life via streaming. Written and directed by James Turner, the drama follows Chris (Dez Cortez Crenshaw), a hardworking man who gets fired due to consistent tardiness. While he should have enough money to cover rent for a little bit, his gambling addiction gets the best of him, and Chris loses it all. This turn of events understandably frustrates his girlfriend, Destiny (Shawntay Dalon).
However, a stroke of luck changes Chris and Destiny’s fortunes, literally. Chris wins an over $200 million lottery, and in doing so, he gets a new house, all the shoes, and the car he’s always wanted. However, his baby’s mama, Bridget (Niesha Amos), believes that money should belong to their child together, Charity (Kamille Wynn). Well, that’s what she says, but Bridget has a habit of taking anything intended for Charity for herself. So, jealousy gets the best of her, and Bridget comes up with a horrible plan to ensure she gets Chris’s lotto winnings.
Destiny’s Calling has an interesting story and solid characters, but a few amateurish things prevent it from being great. The film starts with Chris’s voiceover of the reason he’s being rushed to the hospital. Over a shot of his family in the E.R. waiting room, text reading “Six Months Earlier” appears. So Chris and his family were in the hospital for six months? No, the text should have appeared in the next scene, but as it plays out, it’s a bit confusing at first. It’s also an issue that is not money-centric and could be remedied easily.
“…Bridget comes up with a horrible plan to ensure she gets Chris’s lotto winnings.“
The other big issue is the editing. In church, while the pastor talks about tithing, an elderly lady turns and gives Chris a death glare. The shot lasts just a second or two too long, losing its comedic and dramatic momentum. Several sequences are similarly afflicted, especially a break-in at Chris and Destiny’s new home. While appropriately intense for the most part, it does lose its tension as it goes on for just a little too long.
But don’t let those issues deter you from watching Destiny’s Calling. While in broad strokes, the narrative might seem familiar, the particulars here are very fresh and original. Chris balances his newfound wealth with his desires with looking out for those closest to him. This is not a money corrupts story but rather about how one selfish person can harm so many. This angle adds a lot of weight to the proceedings and keeps all watching engaged.
Then there’s the cast, most of whom, at the time of production, only had a handful of credits to their name, if they had any at all. With that in mind, it is quite a lovely surprise that everyone feels so natural. Crenshaw is likable and makes Chris’s foibles endearing. Dalon is lovely and brings much of the heart to the picture. Wynn is charming, which makes it easy to see why her father would do anything for her. Amos owns each despicable move her role requires but never becomes a caricature.
Destiny’s Calling has flaws that have nothing to do with its small budget. But if one can look past those issues, the story proves to be quite good. It is appropriately dramatic and funny, with several realistic and tender moments. The acting is also fantastic, with each performer feeling completely authentic in their respective roles.
For more information, visit the Desitny’s Calling Facebook page.
"…the story proves to be quite good."
