Devotion -A movie review

The central theme of J.D. Dillard's film "Devotion" is the definition of an activist, as seen through the eyes of pioneering Black naval pilot Jesse Brown. Based on Adam Makos' book, "Devotion" is a civil rights story that delves into the friendship between Brown and his white wingman Tom Hudner, played by Glen Powell. Unlike other segregation-era films, such as "Green Book" or "Driving Miss Daisy," "Devotion" avoids falling into the trap of perpetuating stereotypes and instead explores the bond between the two characters through mutual respect.

The film opens in 1948 with Hudner's arrival at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where he is met with a barrage of racial slurs from Brown. However, this is not a typical display of hate, but rather Brown shouting at himself, grappling with the pain of the many slurs he has faced in his life. Brown is one of the Navy's first Black aviators and has faced violence and discrimination from his colleagues. The film doesn't show this violence, but instead depicts its impact on Brown's mental state through Jonathan Majors' powerful performance.

As the film progresses, Hudner gradually gains a deeper understanding of Brown without condescending to him, while Brown slowly brings Hudner into his orbit, introducing him to his wife Daisy and daughter Pamela. The film's strongest emotional core is the relationship between Daisy and Jesse, which provides the picture with a heartwarming touch of levity and grace.

The Korean War sends Brown and Hudner, along with their squadron, to a carrier in the Mediterranean Sea, where they must train on the F4U Corsair. The aerial dogfights in the film are thrilling and an immersive experience, with cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt and editing by Billy Fox. For Dillard, Brown's fight against racism continues in the sky, where he finds his greatest freedom. The film depicts Brown's existence as a form of protest, with his plane serving as a sit-in.

In conclusion, "Devotion" is a thought-provoking and action-packed film that explores the definition of an activist through the experiences of Jesse Brown, challenging traditional narratives and subverting the stereotypes of past segregation-era films. With a runtime of two and a half hours, "Devotion" is a graduation of sorts for Dillard, from his compact genre film canvas to a larger and more complex story of heroism, friendship, and sacrifice.

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"Devotion" is a haunting biopic about two naval aviators in the Korean War, Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner, who form an unlikely friendship and camaraderie in the face of war. Based on a true story, the film explores the different forms of devotion, including the devotion to one's career, family, and friends.

Director J.D. Dillard doesn't shy away from the realities of war and the racism faced by Jesse as the first Black man to complete the U.S. Navy's basic flight training program. The film avoids politics and instead focuses on the emotional journey of the two pilots, brought to life by powerful performances from Jonathan Majors as Jesse and Glen Powell as Tom.

While the cinematography may not be outstanding, the film's focus on the emotional connection between Jesse and Tom and their bond of devotion makes up for it. The film concludes with a somber ending that leaves audiences with a sense of the sacrifices made in war. Despite the impressive cast, the film could have delved deeper into the characters, leaving audiences wanting more emotional resonance. Overall, "Devotion" is a moving tribute to the power of friendship and the sacrifices of war.