Middleburg Film Festival 2020: "Concrete Cowboy" Review
Concrete Cowboy is not an original story. Estranged son and father come together to try and correct the son’s behavior has been done before. While much of its premise is familiar territory, this film takes a look at traditions of old and what reconnecting or staying in touch with them can do for a person, a family, and a community.
After Cole (Caleb McLaughlin) gets into trouble at school, his mother (Liz Priestley) has had enough. She decides to drop him off with his father, Harp (Idris Elba), to try and have some discipline instilled in him. It’s evident that the neighborhood recognizes Cole, but it’s been long enough for him to be groggy on most of the who’s who. He does know his cousin Smush, (Moonlight’s Jharrel Jerome) who pulls up in a nice ride with some dope kicks. Smush wants Caleb to ditch the stables and hit the streets to make real money.
As most films like this go, after some time of friction, Cole begins to understand his father’s urban cowboy way of life. He appreciates the hard work, respect of tradition, and taking care of horses. Smush’s way of life doesn’t fly in Harp’s home, so Cole is forced to make a tough decision on the way he wants to go.
The film boasts of an all star line up. Caleb McLaughlin sheds his Stranger Things persona for a coming of age turn as “Cole from Detroit”. Method Man reminds us that he has some acting chops as Leroy, the former urban cowboy turned lawman. Perhaps the surprise casting comes from the real riders of Fletcher Street in Philadelphia. Sprinkled throughout the group of urban cowboys, these real life cowboys give the film its culture and authenticity.
Cinematographer, Minka Farthing Kohl uses natural lighting to draw the viewer in. Small moments like the flickering of firelight used to light subjects, brings a certain amount of intimacy to this story. Director, Ricky Staub, has a way of using the camera and editing to capture moments and lock them in time. Using more mids and close-ups than wide establishing shots, Staub is able to keep the focus on the characters and bring us into their world.
The story of Concrete Cowboy is one of a return to an old fashioned way of life and connection. It lassos the connection of man amongst one another and with horses. It highlights the importance of storytelling amongst generations, with one character even emphasizing the significance of cadence in oral storytelling. This story is a bumpy ride at times in getting to its destination, but there are beautiful visuals and heartfelt moments along the way.
Rating: C+
