Dope follows an Inglewood geek called Malcolm as he works towards a university scholarship while avoiding the usual Hollywood hood pitfalls we’ve come to know. Despite his best intentions, Malcolm ends up with a bag full of MDMA and must employ his smarts and his pals to help him deal his way out. It’s part subversive argument against lower-income black male stereotypes, part colourful methamphetamine-buzzed comedy. Pharrell and Diddy produce and A$AP Rocky cameos, so the soundtrack be (sigh) dope.
Dope | Directed by Rick Famuyiwa (USA 2015) with Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori. Starts January 28
Originally published in issue #146, February 2016.