Black and Blue

Black and Blue 2019

Directed by

Deon Taylor

Deon Taylor

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Plot Summary


U.S. Army veteran Alicia West returns to her roots in New Orleans, where she joins the local police department. She is assigned a partner, the laid-back Kevin Jennings, as they patrol the challenging neighborhoods, including Kingston Manor, where Alicia grew up. It is during one of their shifts that she reconnects with an old friend, Milo “Mouse” Jackson, who works as a convenience store clerk. To her dismay, he pretends not to recognize her, a reflection of the community’s longstanding distrust toward the police.

The police force in this city is tainted by deep-seated racism, neglecting calls from the predominantly Black areas. In an effort to allow Jennings to make it home for his date night, West volunteers to take on a double shift with another officer, Deacon “Deek” Brown. During their watch, Brown receives a suspicious call on his personal phone, leading them to a dilapidated power station. He tells West to stay in the car while he investigates alone. Hearing gunfire shortly after, West, donned in a bulletproof vest equipped with a body camera, rushes inside, only to stumble upon something horrifying: Brown and two drug squad detectives, Terry Malone and Smitty, executing three unarmed drug dealers.

Malone attempts to justify their actions, but chaos ensues when Smitty panics at the sight of West’s camera and shoots her. Though the vest protects her, the force of the shot sends West tumbling through a weak floor, injuring her severely. Managing to escape the power station amidst the confusion, she finds herself on the run as Malone, Smitty, and Brown pursue her. A squad car that she hopes will help turns out to be more corrupt officers, compelling her to flee once more.

Eventually, West finds a brief refuge in Mouse’s store, but he hesitates to assist, even considering betraying her to the men chasing her. As tension mounts, Mouse sends out a distress signal, igniting a swift response from Malone’s team. Trusting no one in the police, West calls Jennings, hoping he can take her to a station to upload her incriminating body cam footage against Malone and his rogue officers. However, Jennings unwittingly reveals he was aware of Malone’s corruption, prompting West to escape from a potential trap.

With Malone framing West for the power station murders—one of the victims being Darius’ nephew—her life is in jeopardy from both the police and Darius’s gang. Threatened and desperate, she seeks shelter at Mouse’s apartment, but is soon discovered by gang members. Mouse is captured as West evades their grasp. Determined to save him, she surrenders to Darius, presenting her body-cam footage as proof of her innocence.

While a henchman verifies her story, chaos erupts as the police raid the building. In the ensuing madness, Smitty kills Brown over past grievances before West confronts and kills Smitty. Meanwhile, Malone, amidst the turmoil, eliminates Darius, turning his focus back on West. As the confrontation escalates into a life-or-death struggle, West manages to seize Malone’s weapon yet finds herself outmatched by police snipers.

However, the tides turn when the precinct captain, having viewed the critical footage, orders the SWAT team to stand down, realizing the truth. In a desperate attempt, Malone lunges for the gun but is shot by Jennings, who has come to his partner’s aid. With Malone arrested and charged for his crimes, West’s name is cleared, establishing newfound respect within the police and her community.

In a poignant moment much later, West pays a visit to her mother’s grave alongside Mouse. He expresses his gratitude, saying he owes her his life, sealing their bond with a gentle kiss on her forehead as they depart together.

Timeline


Alicia West Joins New Orleans Police

U.S. Army veteran Alicia West returns to her roots in New Orleans and joins the local police department. She hopes to make a positive impact in her community while navigating the challenges of policing in a city marked by distrust.

New Orleans

Introduction of Partner Kevin Jennings

Alicia is paired with Kevin Jennings, who has a laid-back demeanor. Together, they set out to patrol the neighborhoods, including Kingston Manor, where Alicia spent her childhood.

Kingston Manor, New Orleans

Reunion with Milo 'Mouse' Jackson

While on patrol, Alicia runs into an old friend, Milo 'Mouse' Jackson, who works at a convenience store. He pretends not to recognize her, highlighting the community's distrust of the police.

Convenience Store, New Orleans

Alicia Takes a Double Shift

In an effort to let Jennings make it home for his date night, Alicia volunteers to work a double shift with another officer, Deacon 'Deek' Brown. This decision sets off a chain of events that leads to dramatic consequences.

New Orleans

Suspicious Call Leads to Power Station

On their double shift, Deek receives a suspicious call that directs them to a dilapidated power station. He orders Alicia to stay in the car as he investigates alone, a decision that puts both of them in danger.

Dilapidated Power Station, New Orleans

Alicia Discovers the Execution

Hearing gunfire from inside the power station, Alicia, wearing a bulletproof vest and body camera, rushes in. She finds Deek and two detectives executing three unarmed drug dealers, a horrifying scene that shatters her expectations of the police force.

Power Station, New Orleans

Alicia's Escape Amidst Chaos

As chaos erupts following her discovery, a panicked Smitty shoots at Alicia, sending her tumbling through the floor. Injured but determined, she manages to escape, realizing she is now a target.

Power Station, New Orleans

Brief Refuge at Mouse's Store

Alicia seeks refuge in Mouse's store, hoping for assistance against the police officers pursuing her. However, Mouse hesitates and considers betrayal, illustrating the precarious situation Alicia finds herself in.

Mouse's Store, New Orleans

Call for Help to Jennings

Desperate and without trust in her fellow officers, Alicia reaches out to Jennings for help. Unfortunately, during the call, Jennings reveals he knew about Malone's corruption, making Alicia suspect she may be stepping into a trap.

Framed for Murder

As Malone frames Alicia for the murders at the power station, her life hangs in the balance. She becomes targets for both the police and Darius's gang, making her situation increasingly desperate.

Surrender to Darius

To save Mouse, who has been captured by gang members, Alicia surrenders to Darius. She presents her body-cam footage as evidence of her innocence, hoping to reveal the truth.

Darius's Hideout, New Orleans

Chaos During the Police Raid

As a henchman verifies Alicia's story, police raid the building, causing total chaos. In the ensuing turmoil, Smitty kills Deek, leading to a confrontation between Alicia and Smitty.

Darius's Hideout, New Orleans

Showdown with Malone

After a violent struggle, Alicia confronts Malone, who is now focused on her amidst the chaos. Alicia manages to seize his weapon, but just as the confrontation escalates, police snipers target her.

The Captain's Revelation

The precinct captain watches the footage and realizes the truth, ordering the SWAT team to stand down. This pivotal moment turns the tide in Alicia's favor as Jennings arrives to help.

Police Precinct, New Orleans

Alicia's Name Cleared

With Malone arrested and charged, Alicia's name is finally cleared. The incident leads to a newfound respect within the police department and the community, signifying a potential turning point for both.

New Orleans

Visiting Mother's Grave

In a heartfelt conclusion, Alicia visits her mother's grave alongside Mouse. They share a moment of gratitude and connection, sealing their bond with a gentle kiss on her forehead as they leave together.

Characters


Alicia West

Alicia West is a determined and brave U.S. Army veteran who returns to her hometown to serve her community as a police officer. Despite her commitment to justice, she faces obstacles stemming from deep-rooted corruption and prejudice within the police force. She embodies strength and resilience, showcasing her ability to confront danger while navigating betrayals and seeking justice.

👮‍♀️ Police 💪 Resilience 🏅 Veteran

Milo 'Mouse' Jackson

Milo 'Mouse' Jackson is Alicia's childhood friend who works at a convenience store. Initially hesitant to help Alicia when she's in trouble, his character reflects the struggles of individuals caught between loyalty and survival in a community marked by fear. Throughout the film, he shows growth, shifting from self-preservation to standing with Alicia against the corrupt police.

👦 Friendship 🍔 Convenience Store ⚖️ Morality

Terry Malone

Terry Malone is one of the corrupt officers who embodies the systemic issues within the police force. His actions and justifications reveal the dark side of law enforcement and the prevalence of violence and corruption. Malone's character is pivotal in escalating the tension as he seeks to eliminate Alicia to protect his own criminal activities.

👮‍♂️ Corruption 🔫 Violence ⚔️ Antagonist

Setting


Time period

The film operates in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues such as police brutality, systemic racism, and community relations. The story captures current dynamics in law enforcement and the impact on marginalized communities, resonating with ongoing national conversations.

Location

New Orleans, Kingston Manor

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its unique culture, music, and cuisine. Kingston Manor is a neighborhood within the city where the story unfolds, representing the struggles and community spirit of its residents. The setting highlights the challenges faced by inhabitants in a city grappling with issues of trust, corruption, and racism within the police force.

🏙️ City 🏚️ Neighborhood

Themes


🛡️

Justice

Justice is a central theme in the movie, as Alicia West fights against a corrupt police force to clear her name. The struggle for accountability highlights the systemic issues within law enforcement that adversely affect communities of color. Alicia's journey showcases her resilience and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.

🤝

Trust

Trust is a significant theme, particularly in the context of the relationship between the police and the community. Alicia's experiences reveal the deep-seated mistrust that exists due to past injustices. The film illustrates the challenges of rebuilding trust, showcasing both betrayal and solidarity within the community.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the narrative, both from within the police department and within the community. Alicia faces treachery from those she was meant to rely on, highlighting the dangers of corruption. This theme underscores the emotional toll of betrayal on relationships and the struggle for redemption in a fractured environment.

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