As a movie, "Blindspotting" is kinda all over the place in pacing, tone, style, and themes. This might have to do with the fact that this is Carlos Lopez Estrada's first time directing a feature length movie. It might also have to do with the fact that this is also the first feature length movie written by Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal; who both happens to also star in this. Now before you pre-judge this movie as an amateur hour first effort, let me just tell you that this is more similar to it being an acclaimed instant hit from first timers.
The movie can get random at times, and can jump from a comedic skit type of bit, a social commentary scene, to a full on emotionally powerful dramatic set piece. This style and pacing works in the context of the story though, as it follows roughly around a three days period, which allows it to be a bit more stream of consciousness with it's narrative. I somehow feel the need to emphasize that this direction really does work. It's quite funny when it wants to be, and it's quite dramatic when needed as well. This movie feels fresh a lot of the times, but there are still moments that felt cliche, with familiar story tropes, and plot conveniences as well. Overall it should successfully keep your attention throughout.
Give a round of applause to the two main leads of this film though; also the writers, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. Both are really good in their roles, with Diggs playing the more straight-man of the duo as Collin, and Casal being the wild out of control guy as Miles. Both have flaws, and strengths in their characters, but they make it easy to feel completely invested with them. Great chemistry between the two! Janina Gavankar also gets to shine in this as Val, who is instrumental in one of the more emotional plot threads of this story.
Besides the two main leads, what's likely going to stick out with "Blindspotting" are what this film is all about. This movie has quite a lot to say! It talks about the city of Oakland, California. It talks about gentrification. It talks about cultural appropriation. It talks about police shootings. It talks about profiling. It talks about guilt. It talks about second chances. It talks about identity. Plus many more. Needless to say, after watching this movie, you will have an opinion one way or another. That's a good thing.
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