There is no greater rite of passage then that of a college party, and there’s arguably no greater film rite of passage then seeing a movie about trying to go to a college party. The genre is well worn by now, with more serious dramatics peppered throughout the mostly hard-R comedic fare. One that tries to balance both of those themes though is a rare feat indeed, and “Emergency” absolutely stakes it claim as one of the most interesting and ambitious college movies in recent years.
Based on a short film from the director, Carey Williams, and writer, KD Dávila, “Emergency” follows Sean, played by RJ Cyler (“Power Rangers (2017),” “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”) and Kunle, played by Donald Elise Watkins (“Black Box,” “The Underground Railroad”), as they make an attempt to become the first black men at their college to complete a “Legendary Tour” where they visit all seven major frat parties in one night. However, their plans are quickly derailed after they find an unconscious white girl in their living room. Fearing the police won’t believe their innocence if they call them, Sean, Kunle, and their roommate Carlos, played by Sebastian Chacon (“Penny Dreadful: City of Angels,” “Angelfish”), attempt to take the girl to the hospital quickly enough to still complete the tour. Meanwhile, the girl’s sister, Maddy, played by Sabrina Carpenter (“Tall Girl,” “Clouds”) is attempting to find her.
From its very concept, “Emergency” is a tricky tonal tightrope to walk. Its clear that the time Williams and Dávila spent working on it as a short film has helped with the expansion into a full narrative feature. There’s a lot of talking here, with explorations of the main characters’ fears of the police, racial profiling, and discrimination. It doesn’t feel overpowering though, as these themes are surrounded by some delightfully dark humor thanks to the very concept.
That’s not to say the film doesn’t have its own intensity though. Even as it still peppers in some black humor, there are moments of tension that easily rival the white-knuckle intensity of the latest Hollywood action films. Despite not being an action film, that tension comes from Williams and Dávila crafting a trio of leads that are all exceptionally charismatic and are all really easy to care about.
Cyler continues his streak of playing wisecracking comedic relief characters, but let’s emotion shine through in ways that he hasn’t shown since his debut with “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” Watkins is near perfection, managing to perfectly portray his double-sided lifestyle and frustrations with his friends even before the stressful events of the night occur. He’s genuinely incredible to watch, with a kind of controlled delivery and talent of the best actors working today. Chacon is also great, and like Cyler, he starts as a character who seems like he’ll be a one note comedic foible and ends up blossoming into a wonderfully lovable member of the trio. Its virtually impossible not to care about these three boys by the end of the film.
What makes it all work is the simple fact that, beyond the concept and the intensity therein, it’s a legitimately really funny movie. Whether the humor is coming from the absurdity of everything, the character’s banter, or an actual joke, its one of the few films that makes a promise of drama and comedy and delivers both with equal enthusiasm. With that drama, it’s no understatement to say that, by the end of the film, you can see it in their eyes. This isn’t an adventure that’s likely to be forgotten by anyone involved anytime soon, and the ending might just not only be the film’s best moment, but also demonstrates how delicately the casual, comedic side of the film and the dramatic side and compliment each other to create something really special.
If there’s anything to knock the film for, it’s the irony that, Williams and Dávila build these parties up so much that by the film’s end, we’ve seen far too little of them. It’s not the point of the film and its fine without them, but it would’ve made for even more fun.
But take that with a grain of salt, because “Emergency” is still a delightfully darkly funny film that balances its main friendship, its drama and tension, and its sense of humor effortlessly. It feels weird to say with a film like this, but it really is a fun time that should become a staple of the genre for years to come. 4/5
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