Mass Ave is a powerful and timely drama that explores the complex themes of family, race, and identity in contemporary America. The story centers around a father and son duo, Ray and Malik, who run a small landscaping business in a predominantly white neighborhood in Indianapolis. Ray is a first-generation African American who has struggled to make ends meet all his life, while his son Malik, an immigrant from Nigeria, is more optimistic about their prospects.
One day, while working on a job on Mass Ave, a trendy street in downtown Indianapolis, the two are approached by the police, who accuse them of stealing. Despite their protests and the fact that they have receipts for all their equipment, the police insist on searching their van and detaining them for several hours.
The incident prompts a deep reevaluation of their relationship and their place in society. Ray, who has faced discrimination all his life, is angry and resentful, while Malik, who grew up in a different culture, is more forgiving and optimistic. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about the challenges both men have faced and how their different experiences have shaped their worldviews.
Over the course of the day, as they continue to work on the job and encounter different characters, including a wealthy white woman and a young African American boy, Ray and Malik's relationship is transformed. They begin to see each other in a new light and to understand the complexities of race and identity in America.
The film is a powerful commentary on the persistent issue of racial profiling and its impact on individuals and communities. It is also a poignant exploration of the bonds between fathers and sons, and the challenges of overcoming generational and cultural differences. With its nuanced performances and powerful message, Mass Ave is a must-see film for our times.
