Akilla's Escape

"Akilla’s Escape is undone by its own lack of faith in the viewer, opting to explicitly tell rather than rely on its fine actors to show us who their characters are."

"The film remains firmly rooted in Williams’ quietly powerful, laser-focused performance."

"The film offers a uniquely powerful visualisation of Black men caught in oppressive cycles..."

"Officer shows that he can use camera angles, lighting, and colour to give us a beautiful and illuminating view into an ugly enterprise."

"A mature crime picture whose decades-hopping action makes the effects of generational poverty obvious without having to spell it out..."

"An overworked script underlines (Akilla's) trauma at every turn with fussy structural tricks and heavy-handed symbolism."

"A profound, tender reworking of the crime thriller."

"(A) well-crafted tale anchored by two great performances - from the same actor."