BlacKkKlansman

Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical comedy-drama was based on the 1970’s memoirs of the first black cop in Colorado Springs. At a time of great struggle over civil rights, facing scepticism, hostility and often open racism, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington, son of Denzel) sets out make a difference to his community, as well as make a name for himself, by infiltrating the Klu Klux Klan. While he has no problem contacting them over the phone, he needs a white body double for meeting them in person, and so ropes in Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver - Star Wars), resentful of the fact he’s taking orders from a rookie. As unbelievable as it sounds, not only is he able to pull this off, he advances up the ranks and sabotages their aim to make its violent racial hatred mainstream…

The idea for this film was brought to Spike Lee by Jordan Peele (director of Get Out), who then became its co-producer. Liberally sprinkled with dramatic irony, laughs are thick and fast, though never take away from this fast-paced crime drama. Topher Grace also gives a noteworthy performance as the oily, narcissistic figure of David Duke, Grand Wizard of the KKK.

Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall