By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
SECRETS AND SUSPENSE UNFOLD IN "THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT"
Nadia Latif makes an impressive feature directorial debut with the psychological drama
"The Man in My Basement," based on
Walter Mosley's acclaimed 2004 novel of the same name. Mosley co-wrote the screenplay with Latif, and together they craft a tense, thought-provoking narrative that simmers with quiet intensity. “The Man in My Basement" becomes more gripping as it unfolds.
We've all heard the saying, "If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Well, apparently everyone has--except for Charles Blakey--played here by the outstanding Corey Hawkins ("The Piano Lesson"). Charles is a young man grieving the recent loss of his mother and is struggling financially. Though he lives in a spacious, historic home in Sag Harbor Hills--a prominent Black community in New York--the legacy of the house, which has been in his family for eight generations, is now at risk. With mortgage payments long overdue, the bank is preparing to foreclose.
Desperate to find a way out, Charles confides in his friend Ricky Winkler (Jonathan Ajayi, TV's "Alien Earth"), who suggests that Charles reach out to Narciss Gully (Anna Diop, "The Book of Clarence"), an antique dealer who may find value in the artifacts and collectibles hidden throughout the house. Though intrigued, Narciss questions whether Charles should part with pieces of his heritage just to save the property.
Just when it seems all hope is lost, an enigmatic white man named Anniston Bennet (a magnetic Willem Dafoe, "The Souffleur") appears on Charles' doorstep with an unusual proposition. He wants to rent the basement for 65 days and pay him $65,000 in cash. Naturally, Charles is suspicious and initially declines. But as the bank ramps up its pressure, he reluctantly reconsiders.
Anniston claims his request is entirely legal, promising to keep to himself and remain out of Charles's way.
But from the start, something feels off. And indeed, Anniston brings with him a disturbing past and a growing number of unsettling secrets. As the days pass, what begins as an odd arrangement slowly mutates into a claustrophobic, morally fraught relationship that tests Charles's convictions and his sanity.
Symbolism and allegory are woven throughout the story, enriching the psychological tension. As the characters descend into a battle of wills, Latif deftly explores themes of guilt, privilege, power, and racial legacy.
Hawkins and Dafoe deliver memorable performances, anchoring the film with emotional complexity. They are supported by Tamara Lawrance ("Get Millie Black"), who plays Bethany--a romantic interest who offers Charles emotional refuge--and by the aforementioned, Anna Diop.
"The Man in My Basement" is a sharp, well-acted drama that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about history, accountability, and the cost of silence. The film also serves as a powerful reminder of Walter Mosley's literary voice, a voice that has long delved into the complexities of race, morality, and human frailty.
Known best for his crime fiction and socially conscious storytelling, Mosley infuses this adaptation with the same introspective nuance that defines much of his work. "The Man in My Basement" is more than just a thriller, it's a haunting glimpse on what we hide, what we inherit, and the price we sometimes must pay for freedom.
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Look At This Trailer For
"THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Critics Choice Association (CCA), American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards).
