There may be no movie released in 2024 with a more on-the-nose and absolutely dull title as Exhibiting Forgiveness, but make no mistake: the emotional drama is a nearly unrivaled acting showcase. André Holland is incredible, as is John Earl Jelks and the rest of the cast deserve serious award attention.
The movie itself, from writer/director Titus Kaphar, isn’t too shabby either.
Exhibiting Forgiveness is about a Black artist who wakes up in a full panic, unable to breathe. He must face his demons, and accept that reconciliation may be the path to recovery, when his estranged father, a recovering addict, reappears in his life. The eye-rolling title pretty much says it all.
There’s a lot to love here, even if the end result isn’t quite as powerful as the journey. For a while, Exhibiting Forgiveness is captivating as hell, and Kaphar checks many of the right boxes as he navigates his characters toward the inevitable finale. But that inevitability is also what holds the movie back; as emotionally charged as the picture is, and as well-written as the scenes are, the story suffers from a bit of a “seen this before” sensation that only gets stronger as it progresses. The final act is predictable, even if well done. There’s nothing here that hasn’t been done before in some way or another.
Still, Holland (Moonlight) delivers what could be the most explosive performance of the year, a mesmerizing, scene-stealing, and scenery-chewing turn as the troubled Tarrell. The movie is worth seeing for his performance alone.
Exhibiting Forgiveness may not entirely rise above its semi-standard plot or rudimentary title, but Kaphar has nonetheless put a quality film to screen–and offered a showcase for André Holland’s raw talent.
Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.