Whether based on a true story or not, a bank heist/hostage film always has a level of intrigue going for it. Understanding the circumstances of each individual’s involvement and motives more often than not leads to an intriguing narrative structure. This year’s Sundance Film Festival brings us, 892, the directorial debut of writer/director Abi Damaris Corbin; and what a debut it was. 892 not only gives us a career-best performance by John Boyega but a film that examines the moral compass of right and wrong.
892 is based on a true story and follows former U.S. Marine Brian Brown-Easley (Boyega), as he walks into an Atlanta branch of the Wells Fargo bank and tells the teller assisting him that he has a bomb. The surprise comes in the form of Brian’s demands as he’s not asking for money but for the teller to call 911 for him to be provided with a missing disability payment that the Department of Veterans Affairs failed to pay him. Because of this disappeared check, Brian cannot afford phone credit to speak to his daughter, and it leaves him hours away from being kicked out of the hotel he’s living in.
Abi Damaris Corbin and Kwame Kwei-Armah’s screenplay immediately focuses on the morality of the situation at hand. Is Brian putting the individuals working at the bank through a living nightmare? This is an example of how “thank you for your service” is more words than actions for Brian. He is at the end of his rope, and when no one listens to his plea, this is his last resort. Corbin and Kwei-Armah’s screenplay can bring empathy to Brian while also shining a light on the question – are doing enough for our vets?
These intentions only work because of the incredible performance by John Boyega. Boyega is best known for his underutilized work in the Star Wars sequel trilogy for many cinephiles. However, with his work in Small Axe in 2020 and now his performance in 892, Boyega should be an actor we take pretty seriously. Boyega captures Brown-Easley’s intensity while weaving through his humility to give a nuanced, heartbreaking performance.
Along with Boyega, the late Michael K. Williams and Nicole Beharie offer fantastic supporting performances. Beharie as Estel Valerie, the bank manager, is trying to keep everything in control, and Williams is Eli Bernard, attempting to be the voice of reason and ending this hostage situation with all parties alive. Neither flashy roles, but Williams and Beharie add a calming presence to a tension-filled film.
892 does fall into the tropes of on-the-nose family discussions that feel out of place considering the circumstances. However, it does not remove the overall effectiveness of the film. Its final crushing sequence will gut-punch cinephiles while offering a shining light on the importance of the subject matter.
