Groundhog Day gave the cinematic world a nicely wrapped gift when it appeared on screens back in 1993. A simple gift, but an effective one nonetheless. The central character experiences a fairly standard day, goes to bed as per usual, then wakes up to find that they’re stuck in that exact same day. Nothing changes, characters say the same things, events play out exactly as they did the day before. Then it’s up to the character to try and see if they can change things.
With Groundhog Day, this change came about through a change in moral outlook. Simple enough. But other films took this malleable concept and changed it to fit their own designs. Edge of Tomorrow used it on a grander sci-fi scale as a soldier methodically learned how to take down alien invaders step by step. Palm Springs used it to set up a stereotypical rom-com that evolves into something more complex. Run Lola Run used it to tell a thrilling story about moral choice. Other examples are available, but debut director Juel Taylor’s directorial debut takes the sci-fi route dashed with a healthy amount of satire and comedy as he explores the life of Fontane, a drug dealer in a suburban neighbourhood known only as The Glen, who discovers that the world around him is not as it seems. Teaming up with Slick Charles and Yo-Yo, the trio soon uncover a government conspiracy that threatens their existence.
Like Boots Riley’s similarly fantastic debut I’m Sorry To Bother You, Tyrone is electrified with a speed of its own, accompanied by a dynamite soundtrack. While the subject matter has the potential to get very heavy, Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier’s screenplay is chock full of pulpy wit that’s bolstered by the chemistry between John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris. To reveal too much else would be spoiling the central reveals. While the pace probably won’t be a fit for everyone (from a quick Rotten Tomatoes search, some reviewers didn’t seem to appreciate the unusual narrative structure at time of release), the film manages a deft balance between serious and comedic tones, and marks a stellar debut for Tyler. If you haven’t caught it yet on Netflix, check it out while it’s in the neighbourhood.