On The Come Up movie review: Jamila Gray gives a star-making turn

We have a brand new movie set to hit Paramount+ in On the Come Up. Is the movie worth checking out? I share my review and let you know.

On the Come Up follows Bri a 16-year-old rapper who is attempting to do right by her father’s legacy and take the rap battle scene over. The film is directed by Sanaa Lathan and stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Cliff Smith.

Bri has big aspirations, and she hits the big stage to partake in her first rap battle. However, her opponent got in her head with some jokes causing her to run out of the ring. Back home, life isn’t as grand, her mom is struggling to make ends meet, and Bri is slinging candy bars at school to make a few extra bucks. Things come to a head at school when the security officers bust Bri for selling paraphernalia (yes, candy), causing her to get suspended for a week.

Like anything in life, when faced with your back against the wall, Bri goes to battle and wins. It gave her the confidence to start down this path of fighting her way to the top. But, when things get worse at home, Bri has to choose between dumping her current manager for the man waving the money in front of her face in Supreme. Then, of course, Bri has to make the best choice for her family, leading down this potential path of no return.

One of the things I didn’t love about the film was that it followed many of the same beats within this genre. As a result, it was somewhat predictable (for the most part), which takes away from some of the emotional moments they want to fall into.

Jamila Gray gives a star-making turn in On the Come Up movie 

That said, you won’t find many performances that equate to the star-making turn we get from Jamila Gray. It is mind-blowing to think she made her feature film debut because she commanded the screen like a pro. I am in awe of the layers within the role of Bri that she was capable of bringing out. There are moments in this film she brought me to my knees. Gray is about to be on the come-up, and no one will be able to stop her.

Overall, On the Come Up is a coming-of-age story brought to life by an incredible performance from the entire cast. In addition, Angie Thomas is now two for two with her books brought to the screen (watch The Hate U Give). I highly recommend checking this one out when it streams on Paramount+.

On the Come Up hits Paramount+ on September 23.