American Skin 2021

Lincoln Jefferson, portrayed by Nate Parker, is a recently divorced U.S. Marine and an Iraq War veteran trying to secure a better future for his son, Kajani Jefferson (Tony Espinosa). To ensure Kajani avoids the struggles faced by many other black students, Lincoln takes a job as a janitor at a predominantly white private school. However, their lives take a tragic turn one fateful night when they are stopped by the police while returning from a friend’s house in an upscale neighborhood. During this harrowing encounter, Kajani is shot and killed by officer Mike Randall, a moment that is captured on body and dashcams.

Fast forward a year, Lincoln is approached by a documentary crew led by student filmmaker Jordin King, just as the Grand Jury’s decision regarding officer Randall is set to be broadcast. When Randall is deemed not guilty and no trial is initiated, unrest ignites throughout the city. A police captain desperately seeks out Kajani’s mother, Tayana, played by Milauna Jemai, urging her to publicly call for calm in the aftermath of the injustice.

Motivated by Tayana’s televised statement, Lincoln decides to take a stand. He takes the police captain hostage and enters the precinct with the film crew in tow. Although initially horrified, the crew sees an opportunity to capture a true documentary. With the help of fellow veterans, Lincoln swiftly gains control of the police station, taking both officers and civilians hostage. He demands a trial for Kajani—something that was so unjustly denied before.

In an improvised mock trial, jurors are assembled from both prisoners and civilians, allowing open discussions about race relations and the tensions that exist within society. During the trial, officer Randall ultimately admits to racial bias, revealing the fear that led to the tragic event. He confesses that his actions stemmed from a place of fear and that he had been trained to respond violently in similar situations. After a brief deliberation, the jury finds Randall guilty, and Lincoln decides to administer his own form of justice.

In a shocking turn of events, Lincoln, with Randall on the phone to say goodbye to his family, prepares to execute him. However, it is then revealed that Lincoln’s gun is empty, sparing Randall’s life. A moment of connection occurs between the two men before tragedy strikes again; Lincoln is shot by a sniper as he exits the police station. The film concludes with various perspectives unfolding, speculating on the motivations behind Lincoln’s dramatic actions, leaving audiences to ponder the complexities of justice, race, and fatherhood.