Making its World Premiere at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival is Qasim Basir’s DESTINED. Examining the cause and effect of a “moment in time”, the path not taken or road less traveled, and/or even the idea of a parallel universe, and above all free will and choice, Qasim Basir delivers one of the most powerful films of not only the festival, but in cinema this year.
Meet Rasheed. In one world he is a successful up-and-coming architect. In the other, a criminal, a drug dealer known as “Sheed.” Utilizing the tools of the cinematic toolbox, Basir and cinematographer Carmen Cabana create the two distinct – but similar – worlds through meticulously designed and executed lighting and lensing. A sepia tone colors the palettes for the world of “Sheed”, the criminal element, while a denatured inky blue coats that of the successful white collar “Rasheed.” Within the first 10 minutes of the film, faint tinges of red, green and yellow start to emerge, dazzling us with story metaphor. The cinematography tells its own story.
As we watch both stories unfold, “Destiny’s” message is telling. There are lessons to be learned, journeys that as much as they seem different, are in reality the same and ultimately, Fate is the one who plays the final hand in life.
Performances are nothing short of stellar. Because of the parallel worlds, the entire cast gets to show their acting chops as each character is affected differently in each world. As Rasheed/Sheed, Cory Hardrict amazes and more than surpasses his earlier performance in “American Sniper”, demonstrating a depth and understanding of character. Similarly, Zulay Henao finally has a role with the character of Giselle that shows her range and depth as an actress. Robert Christopher Riley also knocks it out of the park as Cal/Calvin. Not to be overlooked, standout performances also come from LaLa Anthony, Jesse Metcalfe, Jason Dohring and Margot Bingham.
The entire cinematic construct is mind-blowing, propelled by not only cinematography and performance, but with rapier editing by Basir and Rene Besson.
In a word, DESTINED is killer; simply killer.
Written and Directed by Qasim Basir
Cast: Cory Hardrict, Zulay Henao, Robert Christopher Riley, LaLa Anthony, Jesse Metcalfe, Jason Dohring and Margot Bingham
Los Angeles Film Festival review – June 1, 2016
