By Imara Ikhumen
image source : https://uk.newonnetflix.info/info/81264674
Residue is a much more subtle commentary on gentrification than most other films and tv shows that have attempted to take on the subject. Yet, it is the subtleties which contribute to a very arthouse/faux-doc style, and what make it so enjoyable and immersive.
Like in documentaries, writer/director, Merawi Gerima places the camera in unintrusive places; hiding behind a person or an object. Also similar to documentary style, is the referral to memories through images that feel like home videos and nostalgic daydreams.
At times, the main character leaves, but the viewer is left lingering with very minor characters whose conversations establish a sense of personality to the neighborhood. This personality is extremely prevalent in not only its original members, but also consistent focus on sound design throughout the film.
One brilliant choice that Gerima made was to very intentionally keep white characters off screen, despite their presence being the driving factor of the film’s existence. We never see their faces clearly. They remain faceless “Jim”s and “Rachel”s. This is both somewhat comedic, and a way to maintain focus on the black members of the community.
Even without blatant confrontation between races, it is still clear that there is angry and frustration for being displaced from one’s home. When you leave your home, you expect that it will remain there waiting for your return.
There is no definitive conclusion to the discussion on gentrification. Only the suggestion that our (black people’s) communities are under siege and that we must continue to fight to uphold our culture and communities.
That said, gentrification is not the only topic of the film. It is touching to see Jay so sincere in his attempts to reconnect with his past and his old friends. But at the same time, he is returning from the outside, only to find that in many ways, he has become an outsider too. Somewhat like the ones who are taking over his
neighborhood. Through this dynamic, Gerima discusses the disconnect between black people who have left and reunited with their communities, harboring the feeling that they have outgrown them.
The film is gorgeously colored with great attention to the feelings and emotions generated by the composition of each scene. Overall, there is has a nostalgic vibe to its look, which is very complementary to the plot of Jay coming back home and reliving the past while reconciling the change that has occurred in his absence.
There is so much heart involved in this project. Residue is beautifully acted by every person involved, with an especially emotionally moving performance from Obinna Nwachukwu as Jay. It represents one of several fantastic black written and/or directed films by first time filmmakers in 2020 alone. And out of more than 200 films that I’ve viewed this year at the time of writing this, Residue is one of the best dramas I’ve seen.
