Drama
United States of America
The movie On the Come Up is based on a bestselling young adult novel of the same name by Angie Thomas. The film follows Bri, a sixteen-year-old aspiring rapper from Garden Heights, a predominantly Black and low-income neighborhood in the US. Bri comes from a family of musicians and has always been surrounded by music. She dreams of being a successful rapper and following in the footsteps of her father, Lawless, who died of a drug overdose when Bri was just a baby.
When Bri's mother loses her job at a local pharmacy, Bri's family is plunged into financial hardship. Bri starts to feel the pressure to help her family and decides to enter a rap competition at a local club. She performs her original song, "On the Come Up," which is filled with lyrics about her life in Garden Heights and the struggles of being a young Black woman in America. The performance is a hit, and Bri goes viral, with the video of her performing the song accumulating millions of views on social media.
As Bri's career takes off, she faces new challenges. She confronts the sexism and racism that are deeply ingrained in the music industry, and she struggles with staying true to herself while also appealing to her growing fan base. She also faces personal challenges, including bullying at school and tension with her mom and older brother as they navigate their own grief and struggles.
On the Come Up dives into themes of poverty, identity, family, and the power of art to transform lives. The film showcases Bri's journey as she tries to make it in the music industry while staying true to herself and staying connected to her roots. It beautifully captures the complexity of growing up in a world that can be simultaneously inspiring and oppressive. With strong performances, a powerful soundtrack, and a resonant message, On the Come Up is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
