As one of my most anticipated directorial debuts at the Toronto International Film Festivals, I had high expectations for On The Come Up going into the World Premiere screening. While the film isn’t perfect, I’m happy to say it certainly does not disappoint as director Sanaa Lathan delivers an entertaining story led by incredible talent.

On The Come Up is based on the YA novel by Angie Thomas, and tells the story of Bri (aka Lawless played by Jamila C. Gray), a teenager with a passion for poetry and rap whose mother (played by director Sanaa Lathan) has had a history of substance abuse that’s severely strained their relationship and whose father - widely considered a legendary rapper in their area - is deceased. After failing to perform in her first outing at the popular battle rapping arena, Garden Heights, she works to try to prove herself worthy of being in this world despite living in the shadow of her father. But when she steps up and succeeds at a second outing, a producer and friend of Bri’s father, Supreme (played by Method Man), takes interest in her as someone he can use to make him a lot of money. Getting a small taste of what the industry is like with him, Bri is faced with the potential of losing her friends, family, and even her own identity in order to chase her dream.

I could hyper analyze minute details about this film, like how I found some of the dialog to feel less than organic, or how some of the plot points feel contrived and cliche. But getting caught up with the minutiae of it unnecessarily distracts from the wholly pleasant, feel-good nature of this film. On The Come Up is filled with tender, heartfelt moments that set an endearing tone for the film. But there is a clear standout in this film, and that is Jamila C. Gray in her role as Bri. When she raps, her performance hits hard, when her words, expressive body language, and aggressive attitude combine to deliver her sets. It’s this talent as a battle rap performer that not only keeps On The Come Up massively entertaining, but sets her up to deliver a powerful, heartfelt finale. 

It’s a film that knows its YA audience well. From pop culture to nerd culture references, the film is proficient at being relevant, naturally understanding what the characters care about. And when the rap battles happen, the performances navigate a lyrical terrain that doesn’t go as hard as 8 Mile or Bodied does, but still leaves an impact with these battle rap performances. 

Lathan’s debut demonstrates aptitude in crafting an adapted story on film, and Gray’s performance as Bri is a knockout. The pairing, in addition to a great supporting cast, On The Come Up is exciting to watch, making the trajectory of their directorial career even more exciting to imagine and speculate about. Bri’s come up in the film is admirable. Perhaps we are witnessing the beginning of Sanaa Lathan’s own admirable come up as a filmmaker. With great crowd pleasing appeal, On The Come Up is a movie that many may find worth the watch when it begins streaming on Paramount+ later this month.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 1 | What does this mean?