Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is a young man facing several
above his station and find a taste of the good life in the new film
“Chevalier” by Director Stephen Williams.Born the illegitimate son of a nobleman and his slave; Joseph is able to
gain access to a prestigious school thanks to the influence of his father
and his amazing musical talent.He is abandoned by his father at the school and subject to beatings from
his classmates due to the color of his skin which only motivates the young
man and he quickly becomes a prodigy in both music and fencing which earns
him the title of Chevalier by Queen Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton).
His title and talent allow him access to the upper crust of Pre-Revolution
French society and he dazzles with his performances as he charms those
around him. When an opportunity to become the music director for France
arrives, he crafts an Opera to win a competition for the position and
seeks a talented singer named Marie-Josephine (Samara Weaving) to be the
lead.
Marie-Josephine is married to an older noble who is known for his brutal
tactics taking down any dissent and he clearly wants no part of his wife
doing anything as unseemly as being a public performer.
Marie-Josephine takes advantage of her husband being called away for an
extended time and takes the lead and in time starts a relationship with
Joseph as it is clear she has no love for a marriage she was forced into
with a man she does not want nor love.
Joseph has also been reunited with his mother who was freed after the
passing of his father but again due to his status he has no claim to the
estate. He also says by law that he is not allowed to Mary a Noble due to
the color of his skin and that if he should marry a person of color he
would be forced to abandon his title which makes running away with
Marie-Josephine difficult.
In time the growing tensions in the country combined with the racism he
encounters despite his talents set the tone for the final act of the film
which delivers a memorable and engaging resolution to the story.
The film is based on a true story and the cast and costumes make the film
one you cannot turn away from. The complex equation of a society fighting
for liberty while denying those of color resonates and the characters are
memorable.
I hope come awards time that the film is remembered as their are many
things to enjoy about the film and for those who enjoy Historical Dramas;
“Chevalier” is one you will not want to miss.
4.5 stars out of 5
