The Last Black Man in San Francisco

The extraordinary feature debut of writer/director Joe Talbot is a nuanced and distinguished look at cultural erosion and belonging, set in the titular city. Adapted from the life of Talbot's childhood friend Jimmie Fails, who assumes the lead role, it follows adorable pals Jimmie and Montgomery (Jonathan Majors), a pair of slightly directionless African-American misfits. A faraway look forever in his eyes, Jimmie has a tenuous relationship with reality but this third-generation San Franciscan is hopelessly devoted to his ancestral home. Lost to his family in the 1990s, Jimmie visits the house regularly to make surreptitious repairs, much to the chagrin and bafflement of the current owners. Racial stereotypes are found wanting as Talbot and co-writer Rob Richert reveal men in existential and creative crisis, and there's a palpable sense of sorrow at the pace and nature of change. Flanked by a gorgeous orchestral score, filled with quirky humour and filmed with an incredible eye for faces and places, it's an appealingly tender effort that still has real dramatic heft and grandeur.