Chiwetel Ejiofor impressed with his terrific yet underseen 2019 directorial debut “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”. He hits his mark again with his sophomore effort “Rob Peace”, a biographical drama in the same vein of his first film. This time he tells an empathetic and earnest true story of an inner-city kid with big dreams but a hard to shake past. Following in the footsteps of his debut, “Rob Peace” had its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival hoping to earn a sizable distribution.

Ejiofor also wrote the screenplay which is based on the 2014 biography “The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace” by Peace’s good friend Jeff Hobbs. While the film at times plays like a conventional biopic, Ejiofor takes it in a number of compelling directions as Rob’s life intersects with issues of race, urban housing, criminal justice, the education system, and more. The story explores the blessings and curses that come with family and community particularly through the Black experience. It results in a film that can be a little uneven but is mostly involving.

Ejiofor makes stops at key points in Rob Peace’s life beginning in 1987. That’s where 7-year-old Rob (played by Jelani Dacres) lives with his supportive and hard-working single mother Jackie (a sublime Mary J. Blige) in East Orange, New Jersey. He looks up to his father, Robert “Skeet” Douglas (played by Ejiofor), an irresponsible man who loves his son and preaches unwavering loyalty to his people and neighborhood. The instillment of that mindset from father to son reverberates through the entire story.

From the earliest scenes we’re shown Rob’s brilliance. He enjoys school and has a special interest in science. But his promising life hits a speed bump after his father is arrested and convicted of a double murder. Skeet is sentenced to life in prison despite vehemently proclaiming his innocence. Jackie doesn’t want the same for her son so she takes on three jobs in order to save money for Rob’s education. She wants him to leave East Orange behind for a better life – the exact opposite of his father’s desire.

From there we jump ahead to 1994 where teenage Rob (now played by Chance K. Smith) is attending St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark. He excels thanks to the steady encouragement of his teacher, Reverend Edwin Leahy (Michael Kelly). Between schoolwork and taking small jobs to help out his mom, Rob begins studying his father’s case, determined to prove his innocence and get him out of jail.

Most of our time is spent a few years later as Rob (portrayed via newcomer Jay Will’s star-making performance) is accepted into Yale. Things start out great as he earns several opportunities to pursue his passion for science. He makes new friends and catches the eye of girl named Naya (an underused Camila Cabello). But his unhealthy loyalty to his father puts everything he has accomplished in jeopardy. Cracking under the pressure of prison, Skeet pushes Rob to help him raise money for a lawyer. It ultimately sends the young man down a path that could cost him everything.

While there is a degree of predictability to the film and it doesn’t stretch too far beyond the conventional, Ejiofor’s grounded and focused approach to telling Rob Peace’s story keeps it from being overly sentimental despite some big emotional beats. He does throw in unneeded voiceover rather than leaning on his capable cast and some of his dialogue is a bit clunky. Also the final act stretches out beyond what’s necessary.

But those things are overcome by Ejiofor’s commitment to Rob’s story and all of its complexities. He thoughtfully guides us through a life marked by ambitious dreams and inspiring successes. It’s also a life that sees firsthand the different set of rules for someone poor and Black – rules that lead to bad choices with tragic results. It’s all relayed through some incredible performances, most notably Blige’s quiet strength and a magnetic Jay Will. It’s a breakout turn from the young Julliard-trained actor and a big step towards what should be an exciting career.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS