Concrete Cowboy is a 2021 drama film directed by Ricky Staub and based on the novel Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri. It stars Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, and Jharrel Jerome in the lead roles.
The film follows the story of a rebellious teenager named Cole (Caleb McLaughlin), who is sent to live with his estranged father Harp (Idris Elba) in Philadelphia for the summer. Harp is a Black cowboy who belongs to a tight-knit community known as the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, which is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Black cowboys in America.
Initially resistant to his father's lifestyle and the strict rules of the Fletcher Street community, Cole gradually finds himself drawn to the world of horse riding and cowboy culture. He forms a bond with a horse named Boo and befriends Smush (Jharrel Jerome), a fellow member of the community who is struggling with addiction.
As Cole gets deeper into the world of Black cowboys, he learns about the injustices they face and the struggles they have had to endure over the years. The film explores themes of family, community, identity, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
Concrete Cowboy received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast and the film's depiction of a little-known aspect of Black history. It is available to watch on Netflix.