Prepare to be moved by Titus Kaphar’s feature directorial debut, an intimate exploration of family, forgiveness, and the power of art in the face of unresolved pain. This raw and deeply personal story centers on Tarrell (played by Moonlight’s André Holland), a celebrated American painter whose success in the art world is a hard-won escape from a painful past. Living in a serene home with his wife, singer Aisha (portrayed by Grammy-nominated actress Andra Day), and their young son, Jermaine, Tarrell appears to have left his troubled upbringing behind — until an unexpected visit from his estranged father threatens to unravel everything he has worked to build.

The Cast
This family-driven drama boasts a powerful ensemble cast. André Holland, known for his nuanced performances, steps into the role of Tarrell, a man who channels his childhood anguish into art. Opposite him, singer and actress Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday) brings depth and warmth to the role of Aisha, Tarrell’s supportive yet complex partner.

Joining the film is the acclaimed John Earl Jelks, playing La’Ron, Tarrell’s father, who reenters his life in a desperate attempt to reconcile after years of silence. His presence brings tension and emotional stakes to the story, as La’Ron’s remorse clashes with Tarrell’s long-buried pain. Rounding out the cast is Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard), portraying Tarrell’s mother Joyce, a deeply spiritual woman whose joyful faith anchors her as she hopes to heal the fractured family.

Behind the Camera
Visual artist Titus Kaphar steps behind the camera for the first time, bringing his background in art and storytelling to the film’s direction. Known for his powerful paintings that engage with history, memory, and identity, Kaphar’s debut as a director promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Produced by Stephanie Allain (Dear White People), this film is set to be a thought-provoking and heartfelt journey that intertwines art with the struggles of familial relationships.

A Story of Family, Pain, and Redemption
At its heart, Kaphar’s film explores the universal challenge of forgiveness. When Tarrell’s father, La’Ron, unexpectedly arrives, the painter is forced to confront the emotional wounds of his past, ones he has tried to forget through his art. His mother, Joyce, acts as a beacon of hope, urging Tarrell to embrace healing and find space for forgiveness — but as the film poignantly reveals, forgetting may be a more difficult task than forgiving.

Kaphar’s film delves into the tension between past and present, trauma and healing, as both father and son come to terms with their shared history. With richly drawn characters, a deeply human story, and a cast of award-winning talent, this film promises to be an evocative and unforgettable cinematic experience.