Directed by Julius Onah, LUCE hits theaters on August 2. Julius also wrote the script based on the play by J.C. Lee.
LUCE is a smart psychological thriller that will leave audiences breathless. An all-star high school athlete and accomplished debater, Luce, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr., is a poster boy for the new American Dream. As are his parents, played by Naomi Watts and Tim Roth, who adopted him from a war-torn country a decade earlier. When Luce’s teacher, played by Octavia Spencer, makes a shocking discovery in his locker, Luce’s stellar reputation is called into question. But is he really at fault, or is Ms. Wilson preying on dangerous stereotypes?
Here is my reaction after watching this LUCE:
“Luce is exceptional! It’s intriguing and one of the most interesting movies in 2019. I’m still processing all the elements that the wonderful screenplay has (the assumption we have from others, deception, prejudice, racism, betrayal, acceptance, the start over in America (land of the opportunities), the individuality). Also, it has outstanding performances. I think the performances and screenplay will be good award contestants.”
I had the opportunity to sit down with Julius and Kelvin Harrison Jr to talk about this sensational drama.
Stacked with amazing performances and adapted from JC Lee’s acclaimed play, director Julius Onah has created an intense, multi-layered and deeply entertaining look at identity in today’s America.