Cast
View AllAbraham Attah
as Dayo Ayodele
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
as Julius Ayodele
Adepero Oduye
as Elizabeth Ayodele
Kwesi Boakye
as Ike E'Kong
Billie D. Merritt
as Nicole
Kenneisha Thompson
as Mrs. Deborah
Nadirah Shakir
as Bartender
Montreal Diggs
as College Student
Michelle Rose Domb
as Probate Show Attendant
Aaron Spivey-Sorrells
as Mayfield
Lynn Andrews III
as Lynn
Adoria K Lewis
as College Student
Joshua Moody
as TAZ Brother
Crew
Director
- Solomon Onita Jr.
Producer
- Rosa Nichols
- Karl Soelter
- Frank Cohen
- Tricia Woodgett
- Adam Dietrich
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Tazmanian Devil examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Solomon Onita Jr. brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Tazmanian Devil took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 350 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 975 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tazmanian Devil shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike P.S., which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Tazmanian Devil subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like He Got Game and For Men Only explore similar territory, Tazmanian Devil stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 22, 2020
- Runtime: 2h