Stars: David Oyelowo, Barlow Jacobs, Heather Storm
Director: Elliott Lester
Peter Snowden was in the military where he met Edward, Their friendship blossomed and Peter wants nothing more than to invite his friend over for a nice meal now that his circumstances have changed. The circumstance in question is Peter’s mother; she refuses to leave her home so her son can enjoy a nice dinner with his friend. How has the circumstance changed? Peter killed her of course which is where the film starts, with a fresh corpse in the bedroom and Peter reaching out via to an old friend.
David Oyelowo delivers an outstanding performance as Peter a man who is both tragic and humorous in his closeted flamboyance. Every minute of the film features Peter whether it is speaking via phone or taping video confessionals on his laptop, Peter is the center of attention at all times.
It’s a testament to Oyelowo’s performance that he can make a purveyor of Patricide engaging and pitied. It’s clear that his old military buddy is more than a friend even if Peter can’t come out and say it. His conversations with Edwards’s wife are clearly that of a scorned lover, while at the same time his interactions with his mothers friends are amusing and a bit sad. Peter tries to keep up the guise of her being sick as the reason for her sudden lack of communication.
This could just as easily be a one man play as it is a feature film. It’s a one set, one man and one performance that should take Oyelowo’s career to the next level.
Grade – 83
