J. D. Dillard’s “Devotion” is arguably the most important film of the year.
“Devotion” follows the true story of Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner, two highly trained Navy pilots during the Korean War. At the time, racial equity was lacking in the U.S. Navy. Jesse L. Brown was the first African-American aviator to complete the U.S. Navy’s basic flight training program. During the Korean War, he fought alongside Thomas Hudner and the two formed a close knit friendship.
The film is directed by J.D. Dillard. Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell star alongside each other as the historic duo. The cast additionally includes Christina Jackson, Joe Jonas, Thomas Sadoski, Daren Kagasoff, Nick Hargrove, and Spencer Neville.
Majors and Powell have such a beautiful chemistry that serves as an amazing tribute to Brown and Hudner. On their own, their performances are strong, but together they are stronger. Majors has an abundance of emotional moments in the film that he never dials back on. He pushes through each scene. Powell is brilliant in the way he balances both high tense emotions and comedy. The film itself is built heavily around Majors and Powell but the supporting cast are absolutely flawless as well. Who knew Joe Jonas could give an award worthy comedic performance? Additionally seeing Kagasoff, who is best known for “The Secret Life of The American Teenager,” was shocking in the best way possible.
Christina Jackson shines as Daisy Brown, the wife of Jesse Brown. Jackson makes Daisy more than just a wife and mother. She represents women at the time of the war who prevailed even when their households were unstable. This story is as much as Daisy Brown’s as it is her husband’s and Jackson does a splendid job in her portrayal.
As the film unravels, the men are put through training before heading into combat. It’s interesting to see the separation from Brown and the rest of the crew. Because of his race, he’s not an outcast, he is more so overlooked. Brown is prepared constantly for not only war and death, but the discrimination he might face.
Unlike many “white savior” films, “Devotion” never paints Hudner in this manner. In fact, Brown even states at one point he doesn’t need any saving, he just needs a wingman. This sentiment is what makes the movie perfect. “Devotion” is about understanding that allyship and more so friendship is about listening and understanding.
The film never gets lost in pacing. But it seemed as if the climax of the film came abruptly. One moment we are taken from training and setting sail for Korea to actually on the battlefield and then things take a turn. However, “Devotion” never loses focus of the mental and physical journey the men are on. The men learn a great amount in war. Hudner and Brown equally learn that they must overcome their stubbornness to work in sync. Ultimately the greatest lesson they learn is that the best partnerships are built on standing alongside one another even with risks
The aerial shots within the film are breathtaking. The cinematography is a beautiful element to the film. From warm sunsets on beaches to heavy snowstorms, the natural aspects brought light to the film’s direction. Dillard’s work is phenomenal and he is destined to be a household name very soon.
One of the best scenes in “Devotion” is during Brown’s test flight to secure his spot to go to Korea. As he tries to make the landing, multiple Black Navy crewmen come out to watch. The men are all of a lower rank, but from watching Brown, they know that for them, anything is possible. Brown isn’t just fighting for his country, but for the many Black men that do not have the opportunity.
Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner lived and died as fighters. Their story is one of brotherhood, loss, and acceptance. Thank you Thomas Hudner and Jesse Brown. The Korean War is referenced as the forgotten war in the film. This story can’t be forgotten.
“Devotion” will be released nationwide in theaters on November 23.