One Night in Miami…

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 15, 2021

Genre
Drama, Historical Fiction

Cast & Crew

• Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X
• Eli Goree as Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali)
• Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown
• Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke
• Lance Reddick as Kareem X
• Michael Imperioli as Angelo Dundee
• Beau Bridges as Mr. Carlton

Director
Regina King

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut in feature films (Regina King is an acclaimed actress known for If Beale Street Could Talk and Watchmen)

Producer
Regina King, Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder

Writer
Kemp Powers (based on his stage play)

Budget
Estimated $16.9 million

Production Company
Amazon Studios, ABKCO Films, Snoot Entertainment

Running Time
114 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for language throughout and some violence)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Historical racial themes
• Violence and discussions of violence

Movie Story
“One Night in Miami…” is a fictionalized account of a historic night in 1964 when four influential Black men—Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.)—gathered to celebrate Clay’s surprise victory over Sonny Liston, making him the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

The film takes place in a single night, focusing on the intense and thought-provoking conversations between these iconic figures as they discuss their roles in the civil rights movement, their personal struggles, and the responsibility they bear as influential Black men in America. The dialogue-driven narrative explores the intersection of sports, music, religion, and activism, with each character representing different approaches to confronting racism and inequality.

Malcolm X, the fiery and passionate leader, challenges his friends to use their fame and influence for the greater good of their community. Cassius Clay, on the cusp of converting to Islam and changing his name to Muhammad Ali, wrestles with the implications of his newfound fame and the expectations placed on him by Malcolm. Jim Brown, a legendary football player contemplating a move to Hollywood, reflects on the limits of success for Black men in America. Sam Cooke, a celebrated singer and songwriter, defends his approach to achieving success through business acumen and appealing to both Black and white audiences.

As the night unfolds, the four men engage in passionate debates, challenging each other’s beliefs and motivations while also bonding over their shared experiences of racism and discrimination. The film highlights the personal and political conflicts faced by each man, offering a nuanced portrayal of their humanity and the weight of their public personas.

Special Effects
“One Night in Miami…” is a dialogue-driven film that relies on its strong performances and script rather than special effects. The film’s visual style is grounded and intimate, with the majority of the action taking place in a small motel room. The cinematography captures the mood of the 1960s, with period-appropriate costumes and set design that immerse the audience in the era. The focus on close-ups and character interactions emphasizes the emotional depth of the conversations, drawing viewers into the tension and camaraderie between the four men.

Box Office Performance
“One Night in Miami…” was released in select theaters and on Amazon Prime Video, where it garnered critical acclaim. The film was praised for its powerful performances, particularly by Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X and Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke, as well as Regina King’s assured directorial debut. The film resonated with audiences for its timely exploration of race, activism, and the legacy of these iconic figures.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The goal is for us to really be free.” – Malcolm X
• “We’re not anyone’s weapons. We’re men, and we’ve got to be the best version of ourselves.” – Sam Cooke

Behind-the-Scenes
“One Night in Miami…” marks Regina King’s feature film directorial debut, following her celebrated career as an actress. The film is based on the stage play by Kemp Powers, who also adapted the screenplay. The cast underwent extensive preparation to embody these historical figures, with particular attention paid to capturing their distinct personalities, speech patterns, and physicality. The film was shot on location in New Orleans, with production design that faithfully recreates the look and feel of 1960s Miami.

Awards

• Nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Leslie Odom Jr.), Best Adapted Screenplay (Kemp Powers), and Best Original Song (“Speak Now”)
• Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Director (Regina King)

Final Verdict
“One Night in Miami…” is a compelling and thought-provoking drama that shines a light on the personal and political struggles of four iconic figures in the civil rights movement. Regina King’s directorial debut is a triumph, delivering a film that is both timely and timeless in its exploration of race, identity, and activism. The film’s outstanding performances, particularly by Kingsley Ben-Adir and Leslie Odom Jr., bring depth and authenticity to the characters, making “One Night in Miami…” a powerful and engaging watch. It’s a must-see for those interested in history, social justice, and character-driven storytelling.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10