I watched Concrete Cowboy and I didn’t like it. 2/5
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“Concrete Cowboy” is a 2020 drama film directed by Ricky Staub and starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin. Set against the backdrop of the urban horse-riding subculture in Philadelphia, the film tells the story of a troubled teenager, Cole, who finds solace and a sense of belonging within the unconventional community of Black cowboys. While “Concrete Cowboy” explores an intriguing and lesser-known subculture, it falls short in its execution, resulting in a film that fails to fully engage and connect with its audience.
One of the main issues with “Concrete Cowboy” is its uneven pacing and lack of narrative focus. The film struggles to find a cohesive storytelling structure, often veering off into tangents and subplots that do not contribute significantly to the overall narrative. As a result, the pacing feels disjointed, and the film fails to build a consistent momentum. Certain storylines, such as Cole’s strained relationship with his father, feel underdeveloped and fail to resonate emotionally. The film would have benefited from a tighter script that streamlined the narrative and allowed for a more focused exploration of its themes.
Another drawback is the underutilization of its talented cast. While Idris Elba delivers a strong performance as Harp, the father figure and leader of the urban cowboys, his character remains largely one-dimensional and lacks depth. Similarly, Caleb McLaughlin, known for his role in “Stranger Things,” shows potential but is hindered by the limited character development of Cole. The film would have benefited from allowing the characters to be more fully realized and explored, giving the actors more room to shine.
Additionally, the film’s attempts at social commentary and exploring the complexities of race and identity are handled superficially. While the premise of exploring a subculture rooted in Black history is promising, “Concrete Cowboy” fails to delve deep into the social and historical significance of the urban horse-riding community. The film touches on themes of gentrification and the clash between tradition and modernization but fails to provide a nuanced exploration of these issues. The social commentary feels surface-level and lacks the necessary depth and complexity to leave a lasting impact.
On a positive note, the cinematography of “Concrete Cowboy” is visually striking. The film captures the contrast between the gritty urban landscape and the majestic beauty of the horses, creating visually captivating moments. The scenes of horseback riding and the bond between the riders and their animals provide some of the film’s most compelling moments. The cinematography effectively captures the sense of freedom and escape that the characters find within the world of the urban cowboys.
In conclusion, “Concrete Cowboy” is a film that falls short of its potential. Despite its promising premise and strong performances from its cast, the film suffers from uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of depth in its social commentary. While the visuals are impressive, they alone cannot compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings. Ultimately, “Concrete Cowboy” is a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the subculture it explores and connect with its audience on a more profound level. Therefore, it earns a modest 2/5 rating.