In A Thousand and One, writer and director A.V. Rockewell has created a recent period piece that is a raw and authentic tale of a struggling underprivileged woman, trying to make her way in 1990s New York City. Inez (Teyana Taylor) kidnaps her son Terry from the foster care system and fights to provide for them both, not only in necessity, but also in support from friends, loved ones and their community. As Terry grows older, the truth of their secret becomes harder to maintain.
Teyana Taylor is excellent as Inez. Her performance is honest and pure of someone who understands her role as if she has lived it or seen it in her everyday life. She is fiercely strong willed and loyal and will sacrifice everything to provide the best life she can for her son Terry. She is far form perfect, but her tenaciousness is endearing and Taylor’s performance leaps off the screen in every scene. Bravo.
The rest of the cast all do a great job as well. From the various actors who played Terry at different ages (Aaron Kingsley Adetola, Aven Courtney, Josiah Cross), to William Catlett performance as Lucky, Inez’s love interest. Each actor delivers believable and strong performances that round out Taylor’s performance well and makes this story feel honest and real. I was unexpectedly impressed and how much I felt for the characters portrayed by the cast.
If you are looking to watch an authentic feeling film that will make you think and feel something, do yourself a favor and watch A Thousand and One. You won’t be disappointed.
4.5 out of 5 stars
