The Best of Enemies

This biographical drama set in the 1970s sees an unlikely friendship develop between civil rights activist Ann Atwater (Taraji P Henson) and Ku Klux Klan leader CP Ellis (Sam Rockwell) after they clash over the issue of school segregation. Henson offers a deeply passionate portrayal of an ordinary woman fighting for her family's future, while Rockwell takes a different but equally compelling journey, playing a bigoted man who slowly begins to realise he may be on the wrong side of history. Unfortunately, the film itself lacks the same nuance, taking quite a predictable path that signposts where each of the characters is headed. Although informative, The Best of Enemies lacks the emotional power the real-life story deserves, but it does feature excellent performances from its two leads and conveys a well-meaning message.