Opened: April 21, 2023

Directed by: Stephen Williams

Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Marton Csokas, Alex Fitzalan, Ronke Adekoluejo, Sian Clifford, Henry Lloyd-Hughes & Minnie Driver

With a story that was nearly forgotten by history, Chevalier is a story of rebellion in the period leading up to the French Revolution.

When Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) anoints Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) as the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, he is able to live life in the upper class. Joseph casts Marie-Josephine de Montalembert (Samara Weaving) as the lead in his opera.

Harrison gives an inspired performance and plays the violin with masterful ease. Watching him struggle with not being just white or black, there’s a sadness that never leaves his face even in the happiest of moments. Boynton is also dynamic as the queen fearing an uprising.

The music brings great power to the film and sets the mood. In the final moments, you can feel the tensions rise.

Final say: A wonderful lesson in history. ★★★★☆