The Last Black Man In San Francisco Review

It's common for people to leave the areas they were raised in when they grow older, but few locations can conjure a palpable sense of nostalgic longing like the place that one grew up. Writer/director Joe Talbot’s new film The Last Black Man In San Francisco harnesses this to create a beautifully poignant story of belonging and a ballad to the passing of time that both warms and breaks the heart.

It quickly becomes apparent that Talbot and co-writers Rob Richert and Jimmie Fails have been lifelong residents of San Francisco. The breezy directing of Talbot’s debut feature partnered with the films deeply personal and sentimental screenplay acts as both a love letter and a list of annoyances about the city that raised them. The narrative importance and visual flare that is captured throughout elevates San Francisco into something that is more than just the backdrop to the films characters. The city and the array of people who call it home are a massive part of the film’s wholesome essence.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco follows best friends Jimmie and Montgomery, two men trying to fulfill their dreams in the only city they have ever known. Montgomery’s interests consist of analyzing is surroundings and writing scenes, while Jimmie is fixated on reclaiming a stunning Victorian house built and formerly owned by his grandfather in San Francisco’s Fillmore District. Jimmie’s love for the house borders on an obsession, often trespassing onto the property in order to maintain its elegance. When an unfortunate event forces the owners to move out and leave the house empty, Jimmie and Mont see their opportunity and begin squatting on the property. This decision begins an odyssey that connects the two friends to their past and ultimately tests their friendship.

Themes of gentrification, masculinity and belonging are told through beautiful moments that range from triumphant successes to unexpected losses. Each scene is invigorated by a rich sense of realism and honesty that helps make the more straight forward scenes captivating. The framing and energetic camera movements paired with the visually arresting cinematography from Adam Newport-Barra has made The Last Black Man In San Francisco one of the best-looking films so far this year.

The fantastic score and passionate performances from everyone involved comes together with the focused narrative elements to create a film that is emotionally riveting. So much love is put into this project that it’s nearly impossible not to be charmed by it in some way.

Overall, The Last Black Man In San Francisco is a uniquely emotional story and a near perfect feature length debut for Joe Talbot. A stunning narrative full of triumph, tragedy and rediscovery that highlights the bittersweet moments of a rambunctious friendship and the passing of time.

Visually arresting and full of passion, The Last Black Man In San Francisco is a captivating ode to home and a quintessential film for anyone who lives in the San Francisco area.

Produced By: A24
Runtime: 121 minutes
Rating: R