NewFest’s centerpiece film ‘Rivers Wash Over Me,’ from writer/director John G. Young was screened Saturday night to an almost packed theater.
Illustration: Master WH
‘Rivers’ is Young’s third film following his critically acclaimed Parallel Sons. Set in Alabama, the film revolves around a recent NYC transplant Sequan Greene, played by newcomer Derrick L. Middleton. Sequon, has been sent to wallow in the dirty-dirty after the recent death of his mother.
A compelling story, touching on race relations, incest, drugs, and growing up gay in the south, the film was a nice choice as the Centerpiece; a fine example of dramatic screenwriting intertwined with biting humor. Yet, something in the execution went missing. Whether it was lost in filming or in the editing room, many characters come across as under developed, primarily the lead Sequan.
We’re meant to feel sorry for Sequan for being trapped in this south of the Mason-Dixon hell, but he comes across to the audience as a mildly “special” brat in need of a slap.
