A solid biopic elevated by really strong performances that anchor an occassionally haphazard story. Jay Will oozes charm and heart so you’re rooting for him every step of the way even as tragedy keeps marching toward him. Mary J Bilge delivers an emotional and loving performance, stern but devoted. And Ejiofor nails an imperfect but loving father filled with complexities and plays to multiple interpretations. These and a stellar ensemble make up for at times muddled thoughts on the prison system and systemic racism that are suitably tragic but don’t quite congeal to rise above other black pain fare.