Black Nativity 2013
Directed by
Kasi Lemmons
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Black Nativity (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the festive cheer of the holiday season gave way to the harsh reality of eviction, Langston found himself embarking on a journey from Baltimore to New York City, seeking refuge with his estranged grandparents. His trip was accompanied by poignant conversations, notably one with Isaiah about the pain of growing up without a mother. > “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” resonated deeply, marking the beginning of his challenges.
Arriving in the bustling metropolis, Langston’s enthusiasm quickly diminished when he was robbed of all he owned. A visit to a hotel in search of directions spiraled into chaos as he was mistaken for a thief and arrested. In the holding cell, he faced ridicule from other inmates, deepening his sense of despair.
Just when hope seemed lost, Reverend Cobbs appeared, coming to Langston’s aid and introducing him to Maria, a pregnant woman battling homelessness. They returned to the warmth of the Cobbs’ home, where Langston was struck by the stark differences between his life and that of his grandparents.
In an effort to bond with his grandson, Reverend Cobbs gifted Langston a cherished pocket watch, engraved with inspiring words from Martin Luther King Jr. That evening, amidst a peaceful ambiance, Maria and Jo-Jo graced their doorstep with a haunting performance of “Silent Night.” As night fell, Aretha, Langston’s grandmother, opened up about his mother’s absence, revealing the painful details surrounding Naima’s departure, which she attributed to Langston’s father.
Determined to understand more, the next morning, Langston attempted to pawn the valuable watch, only to be stopped by a pawnshop owner, a friend of his grandfather’s, who urged him to cherish the gift instead. Leaving the shop, he encountered the man from the holding cell, who was now distributing flyers and offering to help Langston acquire anything he needed.
In desperation, Langston turned to his grandmother about the reasons behind his mother’s exit, but she remained silent. Before heading to church, he bumped into the same dubious stranger, requesting a gun, which the man agreed to provide for their future meeting.
Despite their efforts, Aretha and the Reverend finally encouraged Langston to join them at church, where a powerful rendition of Black Nativity, written by Langston Hughes, was set to unfold. As the service began, his gaze met with familiar faces, including Maria, who played the Virgin Mary in a touching scene of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” However, as the worship experience faded into reality, Langston slipped away to meet the stranger from the jail.
In a tense exchange, the stranger handed over the gun he had yearned for. However, Tyson, Langston’s father—the truth revealed—robustly countered his demands, reciting powerful lines from A Dream Deferred, forcing Langston to challenge his own goals and dreams. Just as tensions escalated, a passing police officer intervened, but Tyson skillfully turned the confrontation into a theological discussion, claiming that Langston was merely trying to instill some religious fervor in him. To diffuse the situation, the officer drove them to the church, where they were joined by Naima.
Within the embrace of the sacred space, surrounded by family, Langston confronted his parents, yearning for clarity about the past. Tyson’s harrowing admission came forth: he had provided the money for Naima to leave him and Langston, believing she would reconcile with her family. When Naima discovered this betrayal, she took Langston and severed all ties. As tensions rose once more, Langston implored for forgiveness from Naima, and eventually, the family found unity, beginning the healing of their deep-seated wounds.
Timeline
Track the key events of Black Nativity (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Langston's Journey Begins
As the festive cheer of the holiday season fades, Langston embarks on a life-changing journey from Baltimore to New York City. He seeks refuge with his estranged grandparents, carrying the heavy burden of eviction and loss.
Conversations of Loss
During the trip, Langston shares poignant conversations with Isaiah about the pain of growing up without a mother. This reflection sets the emotional tone for the challenges that lie ahead, as the song 'Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child' resonates deeply with him.
Arrival in New York City
Upon arriving in the bustling New York City, Langston's initial enthusiasm quickly diminishes as he experiences the harsh realities of urban life. Almost immediately, he is robbed of everything he owns, plunging him into despair.
Mistaken for a Thief
Langston's search for directions leads him into a hotel, where fate takes a grim turn as he is mistaken for a thief and subsequently arrested. In the holding cell, he faces ridicule from other inmates, which deepens his growing sense of hopelessness.
Reverend Cobbs Comes to Aid
Just when Langston feels completely lost, Reverend Cobbs arrives to help him. He introduces Langston to Maria, a pregnant woman struggling with homelessness, and together they return to the Reverend's home, offering Langston a semblance of hope.
Gift of a Pocket Watch
In an attempt to bond, Reverend Cobbs gifts Langston a cherished pocket watch inscribed with words of inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr. This generous gesture symbolizes both familial love and hope amidst Langston's troubled circumstances.
Haunting Performance
One evening, Maria and Jo-Jo perform a haunting rendition of 'Silent Night' at the Cobbs' home. This musical moment provides a brief respite from the harsh realities of their lives, creating a sense of warmth and community.
Revelations of the Past
That night, Aretha, Langston's grandmother, opens up about his mother's absence. She reveals the painful circumstances surrounding Naima's departure, connecting it to unresolved issues with Langston's father, deepening Langston's internal conflict.
Attempting to Pawn the Watch
The following morning, determined to seek a way out of his troubles, Langston attempts to pawn the valuable pocket watch. However, a pawnshop owner, who is a friend of his grandfather's, advises him to cherish the gift instead, reminding Langston of its significance.
Encounter with the Stranger
After leaving the pawnshop, Langston runs into the man from the holding cell, who now offers to help him acquire anything he needs. This encounter reignites Langston’s desperation as he seeks to understand his reality and options.
Desperate Questions
In a moment of desperation, Langston approaches his grandmother to confront her about his mother's departure. However, Aretha remains silent, leaving Langston with lingering questions as he struggles to piece together his family's troubled history.
Church Service Begins
Despite their previous differences, Aretha and Reverend Cobbs encourage Langston to join them at church. There, a powerful rendition of 'Black Nativity', written by Langston Hughes, captivates the audience, marking a highlight of the holiday season.
Meeting His Father
During the church service, Langston is taken aback to see familiar faces, including Maria playing the Virgin Mary. However, as the worship comes to a close, he decides to slip away and meet the dubious stranger in a tense confrontation.
Confrontation with Tyson
In a tense exchange with the stranger, Langston finally gets his hands on the gun he yearned for. However, Tyson, Langston's father, confronts him with powerful words, challenging him to reflect on his goals and aspirations.
Reconciliation and Healing
In a climactic moment within the church, surrounded by family, Langston seeks clarity about his mother's past. As Tyson reveals the painful truth about Naima's departure, the reunion ultimately leads to a powerful family reconciliation, supporting Langston's journey towards healing.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Black Nativity (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Langston
Langston is a young man navigating the complexities of his family dynamics while seeking refuge from the harsh realities of eviction. His character is marked by a deep yearning for understanding and connection, particularly with his mother. Throughout the film, his journey reflects resilience amid adversity.
Reverend Cobbs
Reverend Cobbs serves as a guiding figure in Langston's life, attempting to bridge the gap between the past and Langston's current struggles. His wisdom and kindness shine through as he offers support and a sense of belonging. He embodies hope and the importance of family ties.
Maria
Maria is a pregnant woman facing the harsh realities of homelessness, yet she embodies resilience and compassion. Her role as the Virgin Mary in the church service symbolizes hope and redemption. Through her interactions with Langston, she highlights the strength found in community.
Aretha
Aretha, Langston's grandmother, is a pivotal character who reveals the painful history surrounding Langston's mother. Her character represents the wisdom of older generations but also the burden of unresolved family issues. She seeks to protect Langston while grappling with her own emotions.
Tyson
Tyson, Langston's father, grapples with his past decisions and the impact they have had on his family. His character is layered, embodying both conflict and a desire to set things right. Tyson's confrontation with Langston serves to confront the complexities of their relationship.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Black Nativity (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film takes place during the contemporary holiday season, highlighting the stark contrast between festive cheer and the harsh realities of life. The struggles with eviction and homelessness echo real-world issues faced during this time, making the emotional experiences of the characters even more poignant.
Location
Baltimore, New York City
The movie unfolds primarily in Baltimore and New York City. Baltimore serves as Langston's starting point, representing both his past and the struggles he faces. New York City, bustling and vibrant, becomes a setting for Langston's challenging journey as he seeks solace and face the realities of life.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Black Nativity (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Family Struggles
The theme of family struggles is central to the narrative as Langston seeks to understand his family's complex history. His journey highlights deep-rooted issues of abandonment and longing for connection, particularly with his mother. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and healing within familial bonds.
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Redemption Through Music
Music plays an essential role in the film, serving as a vehicle for redemption and emotional release. The performances, especially of 'Silent Night' and *Black Nativity*, act as poignant reminders of hope, faith, and the power of community. Through music, the characters find solace and the potential for reconciliation.
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Identity and Belonging
Langston's journey is also one of seeking identity and belonging. Throughout the film, he grapples with feelings of isolation and longing for a connection to his heritage and family. The struggles he faces in understanding his past drive the narrative, ultimately leading to a painful yet necessary confrontation with his own identity.
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