American Skin

American Skin is a 2019 American drama film directed by Neveldine/Taylor, an American filmmaking duo. The movie revolves around the story of Steven Lewis, a Marine veteran working as a custodian at a high school. The story takes place in Michigan, highlighting the issues of racism and police brutality in the United States. The film begins with a flashback sequence showcasing Steven Lewis's tour of duty in Iraq. The sequence displays a traumatic event that has left Lewis with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On his return to the states, he finds it challenging to readjust to civilian life, and his struggles are compounded by a personal crisis. His relationship with his 17-year-old son, Kevin Lewis, has been strained due to a recent divorce. Despite his tough exterior, Steven is a loving father to his son Kevin. The strained relationship between the two characters adds depth to the plot. The family is trying to navigate their new dynamic, but Kevin does not have much patience with his father's struggles. Their relationship is filled with awkward interactions and unspoken tensions. The story takes a tragic turn when a local police officer, Victor Terry, kills 17-year-old Kevin Lewis during a traffic stop. Victor Terry claims he acted in self-defense, but the community questions his account. When Kevin is pronounced dead, the situation spirals out of control. As Victor Terry is not facing trial and the community demands justice, Steven's outrage reaches a boiling point. Frustrated with the seemingly corrupt justice system and the failure of local law enforcement authorities to provide answers, Steven decides to take matters into his own hands. The plot begins to thicken as we witness Steven's descent into revenge and his struggle to cope with the tragic loss of his son. With a clear aim to avenge Kevin's death, Steven starts to dig deeper into the local police force's corruption and misconduct. He seeks assistance from a few influential individuals in the community, who help him expose the wrongs of the corrupt law enforcement system. As the events unfold, the film becomes a portrayal of rage and frustration that many African Americans have experienced due to systemic injustice and police brutality. The title of the movie, American Skin, is an allusion to a song by the artist Common, and in the context of the film, it can be interpreted in multiple ways. Firstly, as Americans who wear masks of patriotism and respectability to hide the dark undertones of racism. Secondly, it symbolizes the American skin of racism that has been exposed time and again throughout history. In the course of his investigation, Steven becomes increasingly desperate, taking steps that put him at odds with local authorities. He also gains some support among the community who join him in his quest for justice. However, the actions he takes, though motivated by genuine emotions, raise questions about his behavior and whether he truly deserves to call himself a 'law-abiding citizen'. Ultimately, Steven's search for justice turns violent and confrontational. By the climax of the movie, it is clear that Steven has crossed the line between seeking truth and succumbing to chaos and anger. The ending highlights the complexity of social issues and the difficulties faced by communities seeking redress from corrupt institutions.