Summary
Years after he first appeared as Finn in theStar Warsfilms, John Boyega’s best performance can be found in a criminally underseen part of theSmall Axeanthology that boasts a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. Boyega was impressive in his role as Finn in the sequelStar Warstrilogy, even as the films steadily shifted focused away from him and more towards Daisy Ridley’s Rey or Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren. Through a mix of magnetic sweetness and understated drive, Boyega was able to elevate Finn’s storyline and deliver a strong performance.
SinceBoyega left memories of the Star Wars franchise behindhim, it’s worth reflecting on his best performance and how it was entirely different from his time in a galaxy far, far away. John Boyega’s best performance so far came in a 2020 grounded drama that explores the true story of a pioneer in the London Metropolitan Police. Even when compared to his strong work in films likeThey Cloned TyroneandThe Woman King, thishidden gem from 2020remains the most impressive showcase of Boyega’s talents and highlights whatStar Warsfailed to recognize about the actor.
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John Boyega’s Powerful Cop Drama Based On A True Story Was A Highlight OfSmall Axe
TheSmall Axefilm “Red, White & Blue” features a career-best performance from John Boyega, and highlights how much theStar Warssequel trilogy underutilized his talents.Small Axewas a series of five films directed by Steve McQueen, all focusing on different West Indian immigrants, their children, and their families trying to survive and thrive in London between the 1960s and the 1980s. Each of them dealt with the resistant racism and evolving ideologies of the time from different perspectives, ranging from the joyful and romanticLovers Rockto powerful dramas likeMangrove.
Red, White & Bluewas one of the most powerful, focusing on the true story of Leroy Logan. After witnessing his father be assaulted by police officers in his youth,Leroy resolved to join the Metropolitan Police and change it from within. The film explores the challenges Leroy faced for his decision. While contending with the racist actions of his fellow officers on the streets and their indefensible treatment of him, Leroy faces scrutiny from his community and his own family before founding the Met’s Black Police Association. It’s a powerful exploration of policing and a condemnation of the system.
Why Small Axe’s “Red, White & Blue” Is John Boyega’s Best Performance
John Boyega delivers one ofSmall Axe’s most impressive performances inRed, White & Blue, showcasing his range and talent as an actor. Leroy’s is a deceptively tricky character, with the film’s script forcing Boyega to explore several shades of his public and private persona. On the outside, he can be slick and cool, even used by the Met at one point as a model of how they’re changing with the times. The film’s arc forces the character to confront hard truths and deliver plenty of righteous fury.Boyega excels in both fields, ensuring Leroy’s depth feels natural.
They Killed Tyrone
Fontaine / Old Fontaine / Chester / Tyrone
The most impressive element of the film is found in the relationship between Leroy and his father. Played by an equally impressive Steve Toussaint, the back-and-forth between Leroy and his father Ken. The trauma of surviving an openly racist environment like the London of the 20th Century impacts the two men differently, and Boyega draws upon their scenes together to paint a vivid portrait of a man who needs to change the world. It’s a performance that’s sympathetic, charming, inspiring, and even a little maddening all at once, anda genuine tour-de-force from Boyega.
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John Boyega had already starred inAttack the BlockandImperial Dreams, but his role as Finn inStar Wars: The Force Awakensshot the actor into stardom. Finn was an interesting character, a former Stormtrooper who was struck by his conscience.Boyega was very good as the former Stormtrooper, showcasing a versatility that allowed Finn to be heroic, subversive, and silly from scene to scene. However, the sequel trilogy divided its attention across several characters, and Finn was more or less a minor character by the events ofRise of Skywalker.
Finn could have easily been the driving force behind the trilogy, but became a supporting character in Rey’s story. It’s a shame, because Boyega had more the chops to stand alongside his stars in the spotlight. A greater focus on Finn could have further developed the erosion of his loyalty for the First Order in more detail, or highlighted his apparent feelings for Rey in interesting ways. He could have developed more confidence or swagger, or become a true leader himself.Small Axeproves that Boyega is a fantastic actor, andStar Warsdidn’t use him to his full potential.
Small Axe
Cast
Small Axe is an anthology series created by Steve McQueen, chronicling the lives and struggles of London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Featuring a stellar cast including John Boyega and Letitia Wright, each episode presents a distinct narrative, focusing on themes of racism, resilience, and solidarity within the Caribbean diaspora, providing a poignant examination of the socio-political landscape of the time.
