"One Night in Miami..." is a compelling film that masterfully blends historical significance with deep emotional resonance. Anchored by powerful performances, especially Kingsley Ben-Adir's portrayal of Malcolm X and Eli Goree's energetic embodiment of Cassius Clay, the film brings to life a fictionalized yet intimate meeting that feels both authentic and riveting. Its strong dialogue-driven narrative explores themes of racial injustice, brotherhood, and societal change, set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1960s segregated South. The visual style effectively captures the era's mood, enhancing the story's intensity. This film is ideal for viewers interested in history, civil rights, and character-driven dramas that provoke reflection and conversation.
Main Cast of One Night in Miami...
Kingsley Ben-Adir
Malcolm X
Kingsley Ben-Adir delivered a compelling performance in 'One Night in Miami...', portraying Malcolm X with depth and intensity. His portrayal was praised for its authenticity, capturing the charisma and complexity of the civil rights leader, which brought a profound emotional weight to the film. What made his performance unique was his ability to blend vulnerability with conviction, offering a nuanced depiction that resonated with audiences and critics alike. A lesser-known fact behind the scenes is that Ben-Adir spent considerable time studying Malcolm X's speeches and mannerisms, even working with a dialect coach to perfect the distinct voice and cadence, which helped immerse himself fully into the role.
Eli Goree
Cassius Clay
Fans of Eli Goree will appreciate his role in 'One Night in Miami...' as it showcases his ability to embody real-life personalities with depth and nuance, portraying Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) during a pivotal moment in history. Unlike his most iconic performance as Emmett in the supernatural thriller '
Riverdale,' where he navigates dark, fictional storylines, this role grounds him in a historical and culturally significant narrative. An interesting detail is that Goree immersed himself in studying Clay's speech patterns and charisma, bringing an authenticity to the character that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Aldis Hodge
Jim Brown
In 'One Night in Miami...' (2020), Aldis Hodge portrays Jim Brown, the legendary NFL star and cultural icon. This role is a significant departure from some of Hodge's earlier work, which often leaned towards action and sci-fi genres, such as his performances in '
Leverage' and '
Straight Outta Compton.' Playing Jim Brown allowed Hodge to delve into a dramatic and historically rich character, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. His nuanced performance captured the complexities of Brown's charisma, activism, and personal struggles during a pivotal moment in civil rights history. This role stood out because it highlighted Hodge's ability to inhabit real-life figures with emotional authenticity, marking a maturation in his career and earning him broader critical acclaim.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Sam Cooke
Leslie Odom Jr. delivered a powerful performance in the movie 'One Night in Miami...', portraying the legendary singer Sam Cooke. His portrayal was widely praised for its emotional depth, capturing Cooke's charisma, vulnerability, and passion with authenticity and nuance. What made Odom's performance unique was his ability to embody Cooke's complex persona, blending his musical talent with his compelling acting skills to bring the character to life. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that Odom Jr. worked closely with the real Sam Cooke's family to ensure an accurate and respectful representation, and he even recorded his own renditions of Cooke's songs for the film's soundtrack, adding a personal touch to the role.
Joaquina Kalukango
Betty X
Crew of One Night in Miami...
Full backstage crew list →