It seems that even with the cinemas closed, we are still receiving diamonds in disguised, underestimating the talent that goes into streaming services. With so many low-budget films that barely anyone takes the time to have a look and appreciate, it is safe to say that a big name thrown into the mix always attracts the attention of fans. The film Concrete Cowboys not only pleases viewers who will enjoy the performance of the well-known Idris Elba, but also the gift and surprise of rising star Caleb McLaughlin’s spectacular performance.
Concrete Cowboy, released in the April of 2021 is directed by Ricky Staub. With some other less known projects under his sleeve, one could say that this might be his breakthrough, but of course, only time will tell. The film tells the story of Cole (played by McLaughlin), a trouble making young boy living in Detroit who is sent to spend the summer with his father Harp, played by Elba, in Philadelphia; Cole is not happy with the idea, and is forced to adjust to his father’s lifestyle, who is living in an urban African-American horse-riding culture. Cole, as an outsider, is not used to it, and struggles at first by working in the stables doing dirty work and cleaning the horses; At the same time, part of his past life comes back to haunt him, he finds a childhood friend who introduces him to the selling of drugs, needless to say, this brings negative repercussions to Cole’s main activities with his father.
The film, which is based on a book named Guetto Cowboy, combines two worlds that one never thought would match so well, presenting a western vibe with the dilemmas and environment of the Black community growing in the streets; It succeeds in telling a father-son story, full of strong aspects regarding a child growing up with no father, holding on to the pain and anger towards him, and a father that not only fights to build a long lost relationship with his son, but also teaching him to survive in a tough world, with the help of the rest of the riders, who grew up and find their path by becoming a cowboy, Cole learns a valuable lesson to forgive and forget, the importance of second chances, and above all, life and death.
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