In an evocative debut, Walter Thompson-Hernández presents a compelling narrative with “If I Go Will They Miss Me,” a film that delves into the aspirations and struggles of a young boy in Los Angeles‘ Watts neighborhood. This cinematic exploration stands out for its lyrical approach, mirroring the skies where passing airplanes symbolize a world beyond. A striking talent-to-watch, Thompson-Hernández crafts a poignant tale of a boy on the brink of flight, deftly weaving elements of community and mythology.
Reimagining the Inner-City Narrative
Unlike many films depicting life in the inner city, Thompson-Hernández’s work refuses to adopt a patronizing stance. Instead, “If I Go Will They Miss Me” looks skyward, symbolically elevating the African American boys in Watts. By resisting the typical narratives tied to crime and poverty, the film gives its characters the metaphorical wings to transcend their surroundings. Here, the director introduces an innovative blend of surrealism, modern dance, and Greek mythology that redefines how we view this community.
Personal Roots and Universal Imagery
Growing up beneath the LAX flight path informed Thompson-Hernández’s perspective, where overhead jets represented more than environmental harm. For the boys of Watts, these planes were beacons of aspiration, inspiring them to imagine flight. The film’s characters embrace this vision, with young African American men embodying this dream with arms outstretched, reminiscent of iconic imagery from “Weapons.”
A Mythical Exploration
The film’s title, “If I Go Will They Miss Me,” encapsulates a pivotal question faced by the film’s protagonist, Lil Ant, and his father Big Ant. As their relationship unfolds, themes of absence and hero worship emerge, likening Big Ant’s prison stints to Odysseus’s mythical voyages. Through this narrative, Thompson-Hernández captures the complex dynamics of family and community, all while Lil Ant’s vivid imagination conjures a world where his father is Poseidon and he is Pegasus.
Visual Poetry and Musical Harmony
The film’s visual style may challenge some viewers with its avant-garde approach; however, it leaves an indelible mark through a series of powerful, lyrical images. From Black bodies captured in artful poses to scenes set against the backdrop of Richland Farms and sunlit beaches, the film’s composition is mesmerizing. Accompanied by Malcolm Parson’s soulful score and Jon Batiste’s “This Bitter Earth,” the film’s narrative is a tapestry of sound and vision.
Shot in and around the Nickerson Gardens public housing, the film’s portrayal of the community is both intimate and expansive. Through its resonance and artistry, “If I Go Will They Miss Me” answers its central question with a resounding, affirming portrait of resilience and unity. Walter Thompson-Hernández’s debut marks him as a distinct voice in cinema, offering a fresh, poetic lens on the stories that emerge from neighborhoods like Watts.
