Entertainment

Concrete Cowboy Review

By Kirsten Wheeler

Amid Netflix’s barrage of new content coming to the platform this year, the film “Concrete Cowboy” arrives as one of its latest additions starring acting legends Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin.

The film, based on a true story, follows Cole (McLaughlin) who is expelled from school for the nth time. Fed up with his misbehavior, his mother sends him to live with his estranged father Harp (Elba) in Philadelphia. Upon arrival Cole is introduced to Harp’s lifestyle within a community of horseback riders in the city, operating one of the last remaining stables in Philadelphia. As Cole’s reluctant participation evolves into connection with the riders and horses alike, him and his father develop a unique bond.

Caleb McLaughlin truly stands out as much more than merely being “that kid from Stranger Things”. He embodies the character of Cole, a frustrated and lost teen, so naturally and seamlessly brandishes multiple tearful fits of fear and rage throughout the film that tug at the heartstrings. His performance is almost painfully human, and does not hold back in especially the most tense scenes.

Idris Elba presents an unbreaking stern presence and expertly portrays the complicated relationship that Harp has with his son and its gradual and subtle evolution from aloof and stern to fatherly and stoic. The chemistry between Elba and McLaughlin is electric, whether the characters are getting along or at each other's throats.

The plot of the film was riveting and enthralling without feeling exaggerated or overdramatized from the real life events. The film engages with high intensity passion and emotion as well as very real world conflict. The characters are brought together as a result of the circumstances around them. They are trying to protect the stable from being shut down like so many others. A place where many lost souls have found their refuge and family when no one else would.

The raw and real conflict is particularly emphasized with the character of Smush (Jharrel Jerome), Cole’s friend who is introduced as a no-good kid on the streets who gets involved in shady business and on the run from the law. Yet as the film progresses he is revealed to be a troubled teen much like Cole who is lonely and seeking to get away and restart his life.

While the film maintains authenticity through its presentation and writing it truly shines through with its casting. During the credits there is a series of interview snippets from some of the supporting and feature cast members who are revealed to be real life Philadelphia horseback riders, thus ensuring that the story is representing the community accurately and respectfully. The clips, though brief, go over personal experiences as a rider in the city and what it means to them.

“Concrete Cowboy” is a masterclass of talent, intimacy, and authenticity. It excels in bringing real life to the screen with taste and delivering hard-hitting emotions.