Nate Parker has never been the same since sexual assault allegations from his college days were dredged back up mere days before the premiere of his acclaimed historical drama, The Birth of a Nation. That film was expected to be a surefire Best Picture nominee, but it instead died on the vine and Parker’s career has been at a standstill for nearly a decade. But Parker keeps on plugging away, and has a new film, Newborn, set to be released by AMC Theatres and Mansa Studios.
Starring David Oyelowo, Barry Pepper, Olivia Washington, and Jimmie Fails, Newborn centers on a man newly released after years in solitary confinement, with hopes of reconnecting with his family. However, he finds that freedom in this world is not as he remembered.
Parker serves as director, writer, and producer, with shooting wrapping way back in 2020. That’s not great. Mansa Studios was co-created by Parker and Oyelowo, who serve as co-CEOs. The last film directed by Parker was 2019’s American Skin, which got savaged by critics. I thought it was bold and provocative, if unfocused. One thing is for sure, and it’s that Parker is unafraid to make a statement and court controversy. I hope that hasn’t been lost with this new project.
SYNOPSIS: “Newborn” follows Chris Newborn (Oyelowo), who, after serving seven years in solitary confinement, seeks to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family, only to find that freedom has become a terrifying psychological battleground. An emotionally charged, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that will stay with audiences long-after the end credits roll.
Newborn will hit AMC theaters on April 10th.
