by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Crazy, wild, college party films have a particular beat and formula. But in the case of Emergency, it is absolutely unexpected! Director Carey Williams turns his 2018 short film, Emergency, into a full-blown feature film that premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The setting is Buchanan University on the night of attending Spring Break parties, and college seniors and best friends Kunle (Donald Elise Watkins) and Sean (RJ Cyler) set out to have one of the greatest nights of their lives. The unexpected happens when a nameless white girl (Maddie Nichols) is found on the floor of their apartment. Both men are unsure of what to do, dealing with the pros and cons of calling the police due to the fact they are two Black men. Sean and Kunle, along with their oblivious roommate Carlos (Sebastian Chacon), who is Latino, go on a journey to get the unconscious girl to safety, or at least to a hospital. Meanwhile, the nameless white girl has an older sister, Maddy (Sabrina Carpenter), who learns her underage sister has disappeared. Maddy was too busy partying, and is on a mission to find her sister along with the help of her best friend Alice (Madison Thompson) and Alice’s new friend Rafael (Diego Abraham), who uses her phone to track down her sister.
This a jam-packed movie that is filled with comedy, thrills, and drama, and Williams is able to bring great tension and high energy. Everything that this film wants to be is able to balance out. Williams, along with K.D. Dávila’s script, take audiences into a world where the events escalate from one bad choice to another. Williams and Dávila are both able to make audiences understand why each decision was made as it happens in the moment. There are serious themes explored, including what it means to be a young Black man in America. I wasn’t sure how this film would turn out, but it’s ultimately a surprising ride. I highly recommend watching the short film before checking out the feature film, because the short is a roadmap to see how a feature would unravel.
This is actually the second time Cyler and Williams have worked together, as Cyler starred in R#J as Benvolio. Here, Cyler does his part justice as a character who is rebellious and isn’t considered about things going on in his life. The rest of the supporting cast is just as strong, but it’s Watkins who shines! This is a breakout and incredible leading performance from Watkins, whose character appears more responsible carrying good faith on his shoulders that makes audiences want the best for him. The film explores the worldview of both characters, giving you an understanding of both of their perspectives. Watkins and Cyler have great connection and chemistry, and the actors are able to play off of each other. The get into hijinks, and their dialogue is funny, allowing them to easily play off one another. Their genuine friendship also illustrates one of the themes of the film: the true bond of friendship. What holds the film back is the interest of Carpenter’s character, who really slows things down and isn’t as interesting.
Emergency is a thrilling comedy that never slows down and will keep audiences hooked. It provides insightful commentary and allows its stars’ talents to shine, culminating in a wild night of a story.
Score: 8/10