WATCH: Police Violence, Gentrification Threaten Oaklander’s Freedom in ‘Blindspotting’

By Sameer Rao Apr 20, 2018

The specter of police violence in rapidly gentrifying Oakland threatens to derail one Black man’s chance at a new life after incarceration in "Blindspotting." The first trailer for the comedy-drama, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival this year, premiered online yesterday (April 19).

Bay Area natives Daveed Diggs ("Hamilton") and Rafael Casal ("Ricochet in Reverse"), who co-wrote the screenplay, star as Collin and Miles, respectively. The two best friends experience the increasing wealth disparity in their hometown while working as movers. Three days before Collin’s probation is set to end, he sees a White police officer shoot a Black man. Trauma and fear haunt him and put a strain on his friendship with Miles, whose impulsivity and predilection for flashing guns in public puts Collin too close to danger.

"Blindspotting" also features Diggs’ "Hamilton" co-star Jasmine Sephas Jones, and Janina Gavankar ("True Blood") and Utkarsh Ambudkar ("White Famous") in supporting roles. The movie debuts in theaters on July 20.