'The Best of Enemies' Sheds Light on Untold Story of Ann Atwater

A narrative about race relations is always necessary, but a narrative highlighting the parallels of “color struggles” is absolutely essential in understanding the dynamics of some of our most familiar communities.

Based on a true story of the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an assertive civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader - “The Best of Enemies” is a surprisingly charismatic film in every bit of its brutal honesty.

Taraji P. Henson channels Atwater so well that viewers quickly feel more knowledgeable of the real activist. Sam Rockwell serves the film well as C.P. Ellis, with his stern anti-black agenda. The merging of worlds for both Atwater and Ellis is a beautifully complicated struggle. Atwater, a single mother is struggling herself as she speaks for a greater population of black residents who are struggling even more. Still, in the midst of her own difficulties, Atwater manages to humble Ellis with a very generous gesture. His pride won’t allow him to show any gratitude.

The film is set in the middle of a very racially charged 1971. Atwater and Ellis serve as co-chairs in a community summit on the desegregation of schools in Durham, N.C. The debates, the war of wills and words all lead to realizations that change both of their lives forever.

Atwater’s story is one that definitely needs to be heard and viewed on the big screen. No one other that Henson should have this role. The 48 year-old actress brings even more clarity to the movement and the intentions of Atwater. Rockwell does an exceptional job at subtly being enlightened about the so-called “brotherhood” of the Klan.

“The Best of Enemies” is indeed a must see film.

Rating: B++