'A Thousand And One' Review: A Powerful Performance From Teyana Taylor

Image Courtesy: Aaron Ricketts/Focus Features

By Ammar Thomas

A Thousand and One is a powerful and poignant film exploring love, loss, and self-discovery. A.V. Rockwell directed the film that stars Teyana Taylor (Ines De La Paz), William Catlett (LUCKY), and Josiah Cross (Terry). The movie tells the story of Ines, a young woman recently released from prison, struggling to piece together her life and reclaim her son. Ines is also dealing with her demons.

The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful and striking visuals that bring the story to life. The use of color and lighting is particularly effective, helping to tell the story set in the early 90s in New York City. And Rockwell draws you in with powerful scenes that show the grueling life of Ines and Terry.

Teyana Taylor delivers a powerful and emotional performance as Ines, portraying pain and vulnerability with incredible depth and nuance. William Catlett also shines as Lucky, Ines' love interest, delivering a subtle performance that perfectly complements Taylor.

Teyana Taylor stars as "Inez de la Paz" in writer/director A.V. Rockwell's *A THOUSAND AND ONE*, released by Focus Features. Image Courtesy: Aaron Ricketts/Focus Features

Struggle and dysfunction were the motifs of A Thousand and One. We get to look into three defining periods in Terry’s life, Terry initially at six years old wandering the streets, and then at 13. The story quickly advances as we lastly watch Terry at 17 years old, nearly an adult with serious life decisions hanging in the balance.

In a seminal scene in the movie Taylor expressing herself through tears, tells her ailing husband Lucky, “Damaged people don’t know how to love each other... that's all.” The line exemplifies Ines' constant struggles through life.

Teyana Taylor stars as "Inez de la Paz" and Aaron Kingsley Adetola stars as six year old "Terry" in writer/director A.V. Rockwell's feature directorial debut A THOUSAND AND ONE, released by Focus Features. Image Courtesy: Aaron Ricketts/Focus Features

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of original music and classic R&B and soul tracks that perfectly capture the film's mood. The music is expertly integrated into the narrative, helping to create an immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.

Overall, A Thousand and One is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores critical themes with intelligence and sensitivity. A.V. Rockwell's direction is superb, and the performances from Teyana Taylor and William Catlett are outstanding. If you're looking for a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, then A Thousand and One is worth checking out.