The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019): Cast & Ratings
The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a 2019 drama directed by Joe Talbot, starring Jimmie Fails as Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors and Danny Glover. It runs 2 hours 1 minute and earned $4.6 million worldwide. It won 1 award from 4 nominations, including Low Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2020. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 1m (121 min)
- Director
- Joe Talbot
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- A24
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Last Black Man in San Francisco About?
The premise of The Last Black Man in San Francisco without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Amidst the changing landscape of San Francisco, Jimmie Fails grapples with his family's history and a disappearing community. He and his friend Mont are drawn to a grand Victorian house that once belonged to Jimmie’s grandfather, a celebrated writer. As they attempt to reclaim the house, they confront themes of displacement, memory, and the struggle to preserve identity in a rapidly evolving city, reflecting on what it means to belong.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- friendship
- skateboarding
- african american
- male frontal nudity
- male nudity
- gentrification
- squatter
- san francisco california
- color in title
- seven word title
- bromance
- house
+38 more Show fewer
- playwright
- father son relationship
- play within a film
- poverty
- place in title
- independent film
- death of friend
- racism
- fraternal bond
- grandfather grandson relationship
- estranged mother
- sketchbook
- blind man
- bus stop
- segway tour
- cable car
- nudist
- sauna
- realtor
- organ
- bootleg dvd
- soapbox orator
- reference to george jetson
- montage
- year 2019
- title appears in writing
- social drama
- director cameo
- male full frontal nudity
- old man nudity
- naked old man
- public nudity
- city in title
- n word
- reference to franklin d. roosevelt
- aunt nephew relationship
- skateboard
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Cast & Characters
Jimmie Fails leads the cast as Jimmie Fails, with Jonathan Majors as Montgomery Allen and Danny Glover as Grandpa Allen. Directed by Joe Talbot; 12 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Joe Talbot
-
Jimmie Fails as Jimmie Fails -
Jonathan Majors as Montgomery Allen -
Danny Glover as Grandpa Allen -
Finn Wittrock as Clayton
Also Starring in The Last Black Man in San Francisco
· 8 more- Tichina Arnold Wanda Fails
- Jamal Trulove Kofi
- Mike Epps Bobby
- Thora Birch
- Rob Morgan James Sr.
- John Ozuna
- Tonya Glanz
- Willie Hen Preacher
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Last Black Man in San Francisco 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Echo Score Breakdown
In its overall design, The Last Black Man in San Francisco offers a poetic meditation on place and memory anchored by striking visual and sonic elements. Critics highlight its moving lament on gentrification and personal mythology even as they note occasional narrative drift and an unhurried pacing. Users report that the abstract, dreamlike structure can be both thought-provoking and demanding on attention. These varied impressions converge around a film whose lyrical strengths and deliberate rhythm resonate despite intermittent meandering.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its visual composition and precise framing. Critics praise its visually striking tone poem, noting rich color palettes and a distinct static rhythm that underscores thematic resonance. Users appreciate smart shot selection and meticulous editing that enhance the emotional undercurrents. Together, these elements cohere into a compelling aesthetic experience rooted in deliberate visual design.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, the film delivers nuanced performances that anchor its poetic ambitions. Critics note the depth of the central relationship and the emotional resonance of personal mythology, even as some view the pacing as undermining narrative momentum. Users commend the authenticity of performances and the chemistry between leads. Overall, character portrayals imbue the story with genuine emotional weight.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of story and flow, the film embraces an unconventional, meandering structure that emphasizes mood over linear progression. Critics describe a static rhythm and dreamlike passages that highlight thematic depth while occasionally hindering narrative clarity. Users find the pacing deliberately slow and note opportunities to tighten the runtime, though many recognize the abstraction as integral to its poetic intent. The net effect is an engaging yet uneven narrative rhythm.
- Sensory Experience 90
When it comes to sensory experience, the film distinguishes itself through an evocative score and immersive sound design that reflect the city’s cultural tapestry. Critics praise the nuanced soundtrack and eclectic song choices, while users highlight the sweeping musical themes and atmospheric audio cues that heighten emotional impact. Combined with a cohesive visual style, these elements create a richly layered sensory landscape that resonates long after viewing.
- Rewatch Factor 80
In terms of rewatch factor, the film offers lasting appeal through its thematic depth and poetic structure. Critics observe that its lyrical qualities and emotional core invite reflective viewing, even if the leisurely pace may divide audiences. Users report that memorable visual motifs and resonant moments reward multiple viewings, though some suggest the narrative could feel repetitive. On balance, it sustains a strong appeal for subsequent engagements.
-
IMDb 7.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 93% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 84%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 82 Metascore
User score 6.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.1 /5
2.3K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 1.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Plot Summary
What happens in The Last Black Man in San Francisco from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Jimmie Fails, a young man navigating life in Bayview–Hunters Point, San Francisco, often roams around the vibrant city alongside his best friend, Montgomery (Mont) Allen, with whom he shares a home, living together with Mont’s grandfather, Danny Glover. Their daily routine includes waiting for the bus, a moment during which they witness the constant transformation of their beloved city and the passionate protests aiming to preserve its essence. One of their favorite destinations is a Victorian house located in the Fillmore District, a place steeped in Jimmie’s fond memories as it was where he grew up.
Full summary
The whole story of The Last Black Man in San Francisco, scene by scene
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Box Office
The Last Black Man in San Francisco grossed $4.6 million worldwide. $4.5 million came from the US and Canada and $122,111 (3%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$4.6M
- US & Canada
- $4.5M
- International
- $122.1K
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Awards & Nominations
The Last Black Man in San Francisco won 1 award from 4 nominations, including Low Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2020. Its biggest night was the Artios Awards 2020, with 1 win from 1 nomination.
1 win4 nominations3 ceremonies
-
Artios Awards 2020 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Low Budget – Comedy or Drama
-
Spirit Awards 2020 2 nominations- Nominated Best First Feature – Joe Talbot
- Nominated Best Supporting Male – Jonathan Majors
-
DGA Awards 2020 1 nomination- Nominated First-Time Feature Film – Joe Talbot
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 1 trailer, 2 clips and 1 featurette.
- Clip The Last Black Man in San Francisco Skating the Bay Area
- Clip The Last Black Man in San Francisco Heartwarming Moments
- Featurette THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO is an Ode to Male Friendship
How Well Do You Know The Last Black Man in San Francisco?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is Jimmie Fails' best friend?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “Последний черный в Сан-Франциско” and “Ostatni Czarny w San Francisco”.
- Also known as
-
- Последний черный в Сан-Франциско
- Ostatni Czarny w San Francisco
- Останній темношкірий у Сан-Франциско
- 라스트 블랙 맨 인 샌프란시스코
- O Último Homem Negro em San Francisco
- El último hombre negro en San Francisco
- 旧金山的最后一个黑人
- 最後一個舊金山的黑人
- Ultimul bărbat negru din San Francisco
- האיש השחור האחרון בסן פרנסיסקו
- ชายผิวดำคนสุดท้ายในซานฟรานซิสโก
- Paskutinis juodaodis San Franciske
+9 more Show fewer
- ラストブラックマン・イン・サンフランシスコ
- Pēdējais tumšādainais vīrietis Sanfrancisko
- 何處是吾家
- Ο τελευταίος μαύρος στο Σαν Φρανσίσκο
- Le dernier homme noir de San Francisco
- Poslední černoch v San Franciscu
- Az utolsó fekete férfi San Franciscóban
- آخر رجل أسود في سان فرانسيسكو
- Người da đen cuối cùng ở San Francisco
Seen The Last Black Man in San Francisco?
Movies Like The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Last Edition, The Last of the High Kings and The Last Summer.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Last Black Man in San Francisco, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Last Black Man in San Francisco?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).
When was The Last Black Man in San Francisco released?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco was released on June 7, 2019.
Who directed The Last Black Man in San Francisco?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco was directed by Joe Talbot.
More films by Joe Talbot Who is in the cast of The Last Black Man in San Francisco?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco stars Jimmie Fails as Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors as Montgomery Allen and Danny Glover as Grandpa Allen, among 12 credited actors.
How much did The Last Black Man in San Francisco make at the box office?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco grossed $4.6 million worldwide ($4.5 million domestic, $122,111 international).
How is The Last Black Man in San Francisco rated?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.
What awards did The Last Black Man in San Francisco win?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco won 1 award from 4 nominations, including Low Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2020.
Does The Last Black Man in San Francisco have a post-credit scene?
No. The Last Black Man in San Francisco has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
