Fruitvale Station is based on the true story of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, a man fatally shot by police in the early hours of New Years Day 2009. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the film offers an engrossing cross-section of Grant in his final days before depicting his tragic death.
In his finest performance to date, Michael B. Jordan portrays Grant, a likeable young adult wrestling with redemption. “I’m trying to start fresh but shit ain’t workin’ out,” he confesses. Coogler works to flesh out Grant’s criminal past, as well as his issues with his girlfriend Sophina ( Melonie Diaz). There’s a faint tale of atonement coursing throughout Fruitvale Station as Grant aspires to be a great father and restore trust within his relationship. Jordan continually rises to the occasion in depicting an inspired, rejuvenated family-man. He could not be anymore likeable in the role, effectively priming audiences to feel the full weight of the film’s climax in the process.
The supporting cast prove similarly strong in their performances. Ariana Neal as Tatiana, Grant’s daughter, is effortlessly endearing. Tatiana’s foreshadowing of Oscar’s fate sees Fruitvale Station momentarily succumb to Hollywood cliche. However, with both Coogler and Jordan having worked hard to build genuine affection for not only Grant but his family, his friends and his world, the misstep barely impacts upon the film’s tragic centrepiece.
