Antwone Fischer

⭐ 7.5/10

(Originally written by Zach)

Antwone Fischer dropped in 2002 and I'll bet at that point in my life I would not have liked because it's "a talking movie." It certainly is. But this one goes deep. While I don't think Fischer's story is one that many could relate to, I think what Fischer does with his story is something all too common among young men.

Fischer is a navy man who has a hard time with conflict. In the face of adversity, he wants to throw hands. His anger and volatility are revealed to be expressions stemming from past trauma that has been unaddressed and buried, just not deep enough. After a scrap in the locker rooms, Fischer is sent for psychological evaluation to Dr. Jerome Davenport played by none other than Denzel Washington.

Dr. Davenport is patient and kind to Antwone but doesn't give him any leeway, waiting him out for what seems like weeks, slowly supporting a feeling of safety in a vulnerable space.

Antwone's life story unfolds and his situation seems to get worse before it gets better but Dr. Davenport doesn't give up. He pushes Antwone to give himself a second chance, to see his own strength, to get closure. All the while we see that Dr. Davenport also struggles and grows in his personal and professional life.

Antwone Fischer is the first film directed by Denzel Washington. It is cinematically pretty straightforward with some cool shots of huge navy vessels. The script and the energy the actors bring is what makes this movie. The chemistry between Davenport and Fischer is genuine and compelling. The journey of healing that Fischer embarks upon is harrowing and inspiring.

I think this film speaks to the power of getting help. Antwone has done everything he could to survive but never worked out the trauma of his past. It looks different for everyone, but all of us could use loving friends and sometimes even some professional support to get over our hills.