The Blue Cave Review
The Blue Cave is a 2021 short film written, directed, and produced by Muhammad Bilal.
Visceral, timely, triumphant are all words that could be used to describe The Blue Cave. A story about the power of perseverance through almost every kind of adversity possible.
From the very onset of the picture this film does not give you even a moment to prepare for the violence onscreen. This is a very fitting albeit sad reality for far too many people living in underserved neighborhoods across the United States. However, this film does not shy away from exploring any bit of it, coming from a unique, far too little told perspective.
At times a meditation of African American culture throughout history, and at times a look at where things stand now. These are all hard hitting issues that director Muhammad Bilal is bringing to the surface and it is a beautifully commendable effort.
As someone far removed from the hardships of the life that is explored here, I feel my own words will not do justice to the story told on screen. It is quite moving to experience and one that I hope so many more will get the opportunity to see.
This short film has a great technical prowess to it as well, Muhammad Bilal provided the cinematography to a great effect. The original score by Alexa Borden was beautiful throughout, providing an amazing ending piece. Lastly, the sound design by Ben Dotson was perfectly balanced.
As mentioned earlier this film can be quite visceral in its depictions of violence. The choreography implemented to showcase these scenes was done very well. Of course, the acting talents onscreen only helped to elevate everything further. The two stand outs here being Adrain Washington as Sherman and Robert Barnes Jr. as Ali Malik Bashir.
This film is not just wonderfully made, but it provides an important message of the way in which creativity and one’s passions can rise above all the hardships. It is a film that not only asks to be seen but deserves to be seen by so many. I see hints of the greats such as Spike Lee, Barry Jenkins, and Ryan Coogler throughout. Bilal and his team have made a touching film. It will be exciting to see where the short goes from here and what is next for such an amazing talent.
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Cheers!
Daniel Hess
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I had the pleasure in viewing the Blue Cave and WOW is the best way to describe my reaction to the film. The film depicts a story that so many youth in underprivileged communities endure every day of their life…chaos and fear in the home to chaos and fear in the street. No reprieve or sanctuary anywhere in sight. The Blue Cave represented so much to me for the main character – a place of refuge, freedom, creativity, security and peace! the film touched on so many things that young men and women endure….hoping to find peace and sanctity and then finally being forced to stand up and face their fears from within themselves!!! Excellent job Muhammad! Excellent!!!! I highly recommend this film!
After seeing the various posts about this film, I was offered the wonderful opportunity to attend a private viewing. And I’m so glad I said yes! Everything about this film was breathtaking.
Seeing the struggles of a young creative becoming that which he was destinated, was both terrifyingly uplifting. The complexities of the situations made me gasp for air while wanting to reach into the screen and slap someone. Suffice it to say, there are enormous emotional moments to be experienced.
The Blue Cave is a very timely film that needs to be shared around the world.
This is a must see film. The best short film I have ever seen!