Synopsis

Ahmadu, a young aspiring artist of African origin, is caught up as a target of dangerous police rage after he retrieves his pizza, delivered to the wrong address.

Fatou, Ahmadu’s girlfriend, is a choreographer, and we see her directing a beautiful dancer as Ahmadu looks on, admiring them. He mentions that he’s struggling to finish a certain painting. That painting has become a focus for his frustration. They plan to meet at his studio when she is done.

Ahmadu is conflicted over quitting his job in order to fulfil the demands of his gallery rep. Fatou clearly loves him and supports his work, but Ahmadu is afraid he might fail her as a provider. He worries that he has been selfish. His dignity and manly identity are at stake. His inner struggle is revealed in alternate flashes of him working out on the heavy bag and working on his painting. The contrast of sublime beauty and threatening darkness becomes a metaphor for Ahmadu’s internal conflict.

Conversation between two Black police officers in an unmarked car reveals they are also in conflict, one being irrationally angry and unethical while the other is weary of confronting the angry officer’s cruelty. They see Ahmadu retrieve his pizza from a neighbor’s doorstep and target him as a possible “perp.” This culminates in a confrontation during which the angry officer assaults Ahmadu and tries to create an excuse to shoot and kill him. Only the forceful intervention of the “good cop” saves Ahmadu’s life. The officers leave Ahmadu on the ground and drive away.

Ahmadu struggles to his feet and returns to his studio. As he attempts to finish the difficult painting, flashes of his bloodied, tear-stained face alternate with images of the assault. He pours this agony into the last brushstrokes and from behind him at last, we see the powerful, completed painting.

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