The Day Shall Come 2019
Directed by
Christopher Morris
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Moses Al Shabazz, the destitute leader of the Star of Six religious commune in Miami, grapples with his ideals and the realities of life. With his small group comprising his wife Venus, and followers X and Afrika, Moses preaches against the oppression of white society, worshipping figures such as Allah, “Black Santa”, and General Toussaint Louverture. Although he calls for a revolution, he adamantly rejects violence, opting instead to forgo the anti-psychotic medication that clouds his mind.
FBI agent Kendra Glack stumbles upon one of Moses’s impassioned live-streamed sermons and recognizes an opportunity to exploit him as a scapegoat for revolutionary plots. In a strategic move, she orchestrates a setup involving Reza, an undercover operative with questionable morals, to lure Moses into a trap by suggesting that a relative—posing as a sheikh with Al-Qaeda ties—could fund his endeavors. When this supposed sheikh, Nura, is introduced, Moses’s initial plea for basic farming resources shifts dramatically when he realizes the potential wealth of an armament deal and agrees to procure 50 Kalashnikov rifles.
The situation spirals when Venus, alarmed by Moses’s newfound dealings with illicit firearms, escapes the commune with their child. Amidst a tempest, Moses witnesses a dramatic lightning strike which he interprets as a divine message. On the day of the planned transaction, just as the FBI readies to pounce, Moses arrives gallantly on horseback at the headquarters, intent on turning the tables by offering to report the arms dealers. Kendra, despite showing him kindness, cannot provide the assistance he seeks.
In the fallout, Moses returns home only to find his followers evicted. A desperate arrangement with his landlord leads him to a scheme involving uranium, which the FBI eagerly interprets as a golden opportunity for arrest. Moses attempts to sell fake uranium to a group of neo-Nazis—who turn out to be undercover police—while inadvertently drawing the Miami police into the mix. Kendra negotiates their release, ultimately leaving the landlord to face the consequences.
Unfortunately, the Miami police’s nuclear emergency declaration sends Kendra into a panic, leading to a chaotic pursuit. Her superior Andy Mudd nonchalantly suggests eliminating the problem by taking Moses down, forcing Kendra to reconsider her actions. At the donut shop where Moses hopes to reunite with his family, an unintended discharge of a police weapon sends the crowd into a frenzy. In the ensuing confusion, Reza attempts to hand Moses a fake rocket launcher, only for Moses to flip the script by pretending to be a police officer.
Despite the chaos, Kendra aims to de-escalate the conflict, but Moses’s reckless actions lead to his arrest alongside his followers. As he is taken away, Kendra assures him that his daughter will be looked after. In a sobering epilogue, it is revealed that all FBI agents involved received promotions, while Moses and his community face lengthy prison sentences, with Venus sentenced to 15 years for her involvement.
This tale of desperation, manipulation, and tragic consequences makes for a striking commentary on the complexities of ideology, law enforcement, and the struggles of marginalized communities.
Timeline
Moses Leads the Commune
Moses Al Shabazz, the impoverished leader of the Star of Six religious commune, struggles to align his ideals with the harsh realities of life. Surrounded by his devoted followers, he passionately preaches against the oppression faced by his community.
Moses's Radical Ideologies
Moses champions revolutionary figures like Allah and General Toussaint Louverture, motivating his followers to contemplate a change. However, he firmly rejects any form of violence, thus drawing a complicated line in his pursuit of justice.
Kendra Discovers Moses
FBI agent Kendra Glack comes across one of Moses's fervent live-streamed sermons. Seeing a potential scapegoat for revolutionary activity, she devises a plan to exploit his ideals for her own agenda.
Reza's Deceptive Proposition
Kendra enlists Reza, an undercover operative, to lure Moses into a dangerous trap. Reza presents Moses with an enticing offer from a relative claiming to have Al-Qaeda connections who could fund his vision.
The Sheikh's Arrival
Upon meeting Nura, disguised as the sheikh, Moses quickly shifts from seeking basic farming resources to plotting an arms deal. The allure of wealth leads him to agree to procure 50 Kalashnikov rifles, putting his community at grave risk.
Venus Escapes with Their Child
Alarmed by Moses's dangerous dealings, his wife Venus makes a desperate decision to flee the commune with their child. Her escape underscores the turmoil and disarray that Moses's choices have caused within their family.
Lightning Strike Revelation
In a turbulent storm, Moses witnesses a lightning strike that he perceives as a divine cue. This moment deepens his conviction while foreshadowing the looming chaos he is about to face.
The Headquarters Showdown
On the day of the arms deal, Moses arrives dramatically on horseback at the transaction site, intending to turn the tables on the arms dealers. However, Kendra, while maintaining a facade of kindness, is unable to provide him the support he desperately needs.
Eviction and Desperation
Returning home, Moses is devastated to find his followers evicted, leading him to strike a desperate deal with his landlord. This unfortunate turn pushes him towards an even more dangerous scheme involving uranium.
Selling Fake Uranium
Moses attempts to sell fake uranium to a group mistaken for neo-Nazis but who are secretly undercover police officers. This act spirals further out of control, drawing the Miami police into a chaotic web of deception.
Kendra's Conflict of Interest
Kendra faces a moral dilemma as her superior suggests eliminating Moses to solve the problem. The pressure forces her to rethink her actions, weighing the implications of her role in the escalating crisis.
Chaos at the Donut Shop
In a chaotic climax at a donut shop, a police weapon inadvertently discharges, igniting panic among the patrons. In the confusion, Reza tries to pass Moses a fake rocket launcher, further complicating an already dangerous situation.
The Arrest
Despite Kendra's efforts to de-escalate the situation, Moses's reckless behavior leads to his arrest along with his followers. As he is taken away, Kendra reassures him that his daughter will be safely looked after.
The Fallout
In the aftermath, it is revealed that all FBI agents involved received promotions while Moses and his commune face long prison sentences for their actions. Venus is particularly hard-hit with a 15-year sentence, highlighting the tragic consequences of their struggle.
Reflection on Ideological Struggles
The events of the story serve as a poignant commentary on the complexities of marginalized communities confronting ideology and law enforcement. The tragic interactions illustrate the manipulations that lead to devastating outcomes for those seeking justice.
Characters
Moses Al Shabazz
Moses is portrayed as a complex figure, grappling with his religious beliefs and the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society. His commitment to non-violence signals his hope for peace, but desperation leads him to make questionable decisions. Striving for dignity and justice, he embodies the struggles of many marginalized individuals.
Kendra Glack
Kendra is an FBI agent who represents a moral crossroads, caught between her duty and her compassion for Moses. As she navigates the complexities of her role, her initial intentions become clouded by manipulation and opportunism. Kendra's journey raises questions about loyalty, ethics, and the impact of systemic pressures on personal choices.
Venus
Venus, Moses's wife, is a figure of strength and maternal instincts who ultimately prioritizes her family's safety over loyalty to the commune. Her escape reflects the vital role of women in activism and family dynamics. The emotional toll of Moses's decisions is evident in her desperate attempts to protect their child.
Setting
Time period
The events take place in a contemporary setting, highlighting modern issues of extremism, surveillance, and community struggles. The film reflects current socio-political tensions and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups in society. It captures the zeitgeist of the era, marked by evolving justice mechanisms and societal perceptions of activism.
Location
Miami
Miami serves as a vibrant backdrop in this story, known for its diverse culture and sometimes contentious relationships between different communities. The contrasting realities of wealth and poverty, as well as the complexities of race relations, make it an apt setting for Moses Al Shabazz's struggle. The city's grit is reflected in Moses's experiences as he navigates both the legal and illegal aspects of his life.
Themes
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Non-Violence
At the heart of the film is the theme of non-violence, as embodied by Moses Al Shabazz, who preaches against armed revolution despite facing oppression. His ideals clash with the reality of a world where violence often seems like the only recourse. This theme resonates with historical movements that sought social justice through peaceful means, underscoring the moral dilemmas faced by activists.
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Manipulation
Manipulation is a prominent theme as characters exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or larger agendas. FBI agent Kendra Glack's actions exemplify the ethical gray areas in law enforcement, while Moses's dealings bring into question the authenticity of revolutionary ideals when entangled with deceit. The film critiques the ways in which individuals and authorities can twist narratives for ulterior motives.
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Justice
The theme of justice is explored through the disparity between the hopes of marginalized communities and the realities of the legal system. Moses and his followers face harsh consequences, revealing the systemic issues that often penalize activism instead of addressing root causes of injustice. The film poses thought-provoking questions about what true justice looks like in a society rife with discrimination.
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