Sundance Review: A Hostage Situation in ‘892’

By Abe Friedtanzer

Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Chris Witt.UPDATE: THIS FILM IS NOW CALLED "BREAKING"

It’s probably not the best time to be premiering a drama involving a man walking into a building and taking hostages in the wake of what happened at a Texas synagogue last weekend. There are certainly important differences between the two situations which don’t need to be discussed here, but it’s worth noting that this film may be highly triggering for some at this present moment and, if that’s the case, shouldn’t be screened. But for those who think they can handle this content,  Abi Damaris Corbin's 892 is a well-constructed film with quality performances…

Brian Browne-Easley (John Boyega) walks into a bank under the guise of cashing a check for twenty-five dollars, and hands a note to the cashier, Rosa (Selenis Leyva), telling her that he has a bomb. The bank’s senior manager, Estel (Nicole Beharie), calmly ensures that everyone else is permitted to exit the building before Brian has Rosa call 911. He explains that he is owed money by the VA and wants news attention on what he has endured, making sure to treat Rosa and Estel with the utmost courtesy as he repeatedly asserts that he is not stupid or crazy, but simply a man who wants what is supposed to be his.

This film is based on the true story of the real Browne-Easley, one that may not be known to most but sadly contains all-too-familiar specifics. Brian says over and over that he is worried about the police shooting him, aware of the way in which Black people are targeted and killed for fear of the danger they pose. Fortunately, the hostage negotiator, Eli (the late Michael Kenneth Williams), is also Black, but he doesn’t have nearly as much power as he should with those in charge far less invested in a peaceful outcome for everyone involved. 

Since his film debut a decade ago in Attack the Block, Boyega has taken on challenging roles – with a bit of Star Wars mega-fame mixed in there – including recent efforts like Small Axe and Naked Singularity. This part is no exception, and he comes to it with a fierce commitment to individuality and honesty. Leyva and Beharie are also more than capable and handle their material well, but the true standout is Williams, who sadly died this past September. As Eli, he matches Brian’s sincerity and indicates a true desire to achieve success, expressing nothing but respect for the man on the other end on the phone. We could all learn a lot from that approach, one which far too rarely leads to a happy ending. B+

892 played the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January. As of 08/26/22 it opened in theaters retitled as Breaking