It’s that feeling of something big is about to go wrong, and you can’t do anything about it. That feeling is exemplified so well in Kevin Wilson, Jr.’s short film, My Nephew Emmett. Based on a true story, the film takes place in the racist South of the 50’s.
My Nephew Emmett is told from the perspective of a 65-year-old preacher, Mose Wright. Mose is hosting his two young nephews from Chicago for the summer. The boys are a little naïve to life in the South. Trouble stirs when Wright gets word that his nephew was flirting the wife of a local towner.
“He sits alone in isolation playing in his mind the coming events over and over.”
Director Wilson takes us on a journey of dread during the hours leading up to the inevitable confrontation with the angry husband. He sits alone in isolation playing in his mind the coming events over and over. He struggles to hide his true feelings from his family. Then we feel his powerlessness to help a loved one. The ending reveal is poignant, haunting and real.
Films should be judged alone on the final product. My Nephew Emmett is a fantastic film. The story perspective is unique for a subject that’s been told numerous times about the South and racism. Having nothing to do with the film itself, I’m amazed that this is just a student film. Wilson tells a powerful story without a lot of dialogue, and emphasis on human emotion, and a great deal of insight. This is a strong start, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Wilson does next.
My Nephew Emmett (2017) Written and directed Kevin Wilson, Jr. Starring L.B. Williams, Joshua Wright, and Jasmine Guy.
4.5 out of 5 Stars
Wow I want to see this