282. Khalid - Free Spirit; movie review

KHALID - FREE SPIRIT
Cert 15
46 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language

I usually have a rule not to watch short films as part of my challenge but Khalid's Free Spirit was shown in cinemas, accompanied by a commentary and songs from his new album.
I have just caught up with it because I thought that watching the movie minus the narrative was better than nothing.
And, to be fair, it was - there was a story of young people's disenchantment with their home town and their struggle to find their own way in hick-town America
Played out to a Khalid soundtrack, Emil Nava's film stars Khalid, Dizzy Fae, Judah Lang, Estefania Perciado, Jahking Guillory and Edi Gathegi
They make love, play music, fall out and do all the things young folk might do on a road trip.
It isn't especially deep but it does show a side to the United States which is rarely represented in mainstream movies.
It is also a clear contrast to the view of a resurgent America which Donald Trump insists on painting.
Apparently, Khalid's work reflects stories of the beauty and pain of growing up and this is, therefore, a pleasing complement to his album.
I am glad I caught up with it.

Reasons to watch: A interesting take on the isolation of young American working class 
Reasons to avoid: Too short to make a big impact

Laugh: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? Growing up, Khalid lived a nomadic lifestyle as the son of a military mum. Besides living in Georgia, Kentucky, New York and El Paso, TX in the USA, he also lived in Germany for quite a while.

The final word. Emil Nava: "What amazed me about Khalid was that he really wanted to make a film, not a visual album or just music videos." 

Share this post