"Set It Off" (1996): An Underrated Female-led Crime-Thriller

This is the perfect crime.

"Set It Off" is a 1996 film. Four best friends think they can fix their money problems by robbing banks. Having loads of money only helps briefly, until they have to keep under cover from the law.

The Museum of Underrated Gems is overloaded with movies that have been overlooked. I am so glad that I found "Set It Off." Money plays a major role in our lives. "Set It Off" is a thrilling action-packed ride about four women taking the crime life as it ruins egos, personal relationships, and stirs trouble.

Jada Pinkett Smith (Stony), Queen Latifah (Cleo), Vivica A. Fox (Frankie) and Kimberly Elisa (T.T.) star as four best friends. All four actresses are incredible in their performances, bringing a distinct quality to their characters. Their dynamic was solid, creating a tight-knit, albeit turbulent relationship. My favorite scene was when the women hung out on the rooftop.

I found out after this movie that "Set It Off" was Queen Latifah’s debut on the big screen. This is Queen Latifah like you’ve never seen her. She gives an unforgettable performance as the brash, domineering, and aggressive Cleo.

Kimberly Elise also made her film debut after producers saw her as a waitress. It was a humorous idea to have T.T. uncover the truth slower from the others, and then run to catch up.

The actresses conducted several emotional scenes, with Fox and Smith delivering heart-crushing moments. Set It Off is a good character study film. In their pursuits, the women have all the right reactions, from guilt, excitement, and apathy.

Credits include John C. McGinley, Blair Underwood, Ella Joyce, Samantha MacLachlan, and the late Natalie Dresselle Reid. They all did an incredible job as supporting roles.

McGinley conducted his performance as a remorseful cop quite well. He worked with a retired detective to make his role more authentic. Detective Strode is serious in his job, but tries to make someone do the right thing to avoid trouble.

"Set It Off" was shot in 39 days. It brought F. Gary Gray to the directing chair, who previously made music videos for artists like Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Gray was drawn to "Set It Off’s" riveting character story. He said there were very few films that centered on in-depth Black female characters.

Most importantly, Gray achieved a tense atmosphere. In the bank robbery scenes, they are exciting and tense, but Gray never loses sight of the emotional stakes. He directs each scene with urgency.

The music is tense, and cinematographer Marc Reshovsky incorporated crafty cinematic shots. Edits are manic in the robbery scenes. One of my favorite images is the woman cleaning the stairs in this artistic, but vertigo-inducing shot.

Although it was made thirty years ago, "Set It Off" still has themes and situations that are reminiscent today. The film blends social commentary in this crime thriller. The situation spirals out of control, leading to arguments and deceit.

As reflected, friendship and money are not a good combination. Money plays a big part in everybody’s lives, and sometimes it’s the villain. Nobody makes the same amount of money as you. I avoid conversations about money with friends because it’s a private detail. It shouldn’t define us.

"Set It Off" is action-packed, tense, and has a shocking climax. Viewers may be triggered by topics of guns and robbery. The story tests emotions and a friendship on what matters most. Be careful about who you trust.

Do not let this film slip into the depths of the underrated gems. It’s a movie you’ll never forget.