The Waterboyz (2024) by Coke Daniels: The Grind and the Struggle in Atlanta

Short Summary: Hustle or Harmony?

The Waterboyz follows two young men in Atlanta, Drew and Dolo, who are trying to make a living by selling bottled water on busy street corners. Drew is motivated by his dreams of college and a better life, while Dolo is content with a more immediate, street-focused hustle. Their corner hustle, however, puts them in the crosshairs of both rival gangs and a city-wide police crackdown. Drew is forced to choose between the fast money of the streets and the slower, but more legitimate, path to a better future.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15532522/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/awards/american-black-film-festival-2024-winners-1236039175/

About movie: https://www.quiverdistribution.com/slate/the-waterboyz

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-waterboyz (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-waterboyz (Canada)

Detailed Summary: A Tale of Two Corners

• A Legitimate Hustle: Drew and Dolo represent a subculture of young Atlanta entrepreneurs who sell water as a way to make money outside of the typical job market. The film highlights their ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.

• The Looming Threat: Their hustle is fraught with danger, as they become targets of both other street hustlers, who are more aggressive and willing to resort to violence, and the police, who view them as a public nuisance and a source of crime.

• Contrasting Dreams: The film is a coming-of-age story that contrasts two different life paths. Drew, with his college aspirations, wants a way out, while Dolo is more entrenched in the street life, dreaming of cars and the trappings of success that come from a fast hustle.

• A Love Letter to Atlanta: Director Coke Daniels uses Atlanta as a character in the film, showcasing the city's unique culture and locations, from MARTA stations to Krystal restaurants, giving the movie a strong sense of place and authenticity.

Director's Vision: The Full Story of the "Water Boyz"

• Coke Daniels' vision is to tell a more complete and nuanced story about the "water boyz" of Atlanta. He was inspired to make the film after seeing how the media often focused only on the negative aspects of this subculture, portraying them as "knuckleheads" and criminals.

• His goal was to show both sides of the story: the kids who are genuinely trying to make an honest living and the more aggressive elements who are more willing to resort to violence.

• Daniels sees the film as a "love letter to Atlanta" and a way to explore the complex issues of entrepreneurship, lack of opportunities, and the ever-present threat of violence in inner-city communities.

Themes: The American Dream on a Hot Corner

• Entrepreneurship and Survival: The film is about the ingenuity and resilience of young people who are trying to create their own opportunities in a world where traditional jobs are hard to come by.

• Dreams vs. Reality: It explores the tension between having big dreams and the harsh reality of life on the streets, where those dreams can be easily derailed.

• Community and Brotherhood: The central relationship between Drew and Dolo highlights the importance of brotherhood and mentorship, even when they have different ideas about how to succeed.

• The Trap of Street Life: The film also serves as a cautionary tale, showing how a "legitimate" hustle can quickly become a dangerous one, with the lure of quick money and the constant threat of violence.

Key Success Factors: A Local Story with a Big Heart

• Authentic Subject Matter: The film's story is based on the real-life phenomenon of Atlanta's "water boyz," giving it a powerful sense of authenticity and relevance.

• Award-Winning Director: Coke Daniels won the "Best Director" award at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) for this film, a major accolade that speaks to the quality of his work and the impact of the movie.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The film features a mix of talented actors, including Akili McDowell, La La Anthony, and Omar Dorsey, along with a special appearance by rapper Quavo, which adds to the film's star power and appeal.

• A Timely Narrative: The film's themes of young entrepreneurship, police relations, and street violence are all highly relevant to current social conversations.

Awards & Nominations: A Best Director Win

The Waterboyz received significant recognition at the 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Director Coke Daniels was honored with the Best Director award for his work on the film. The film also had its world premiere at the festival.

Critics Reception: A Positive First Impression

Early critic reviews from film festivals and platforms have been largely positive. Reviewers have praised the film for its compelling storyline, strong acting, and its important message. The film is seen as a relevant and heartfelt drama that resonates with the struggles of young people today. While a more detailed analysis from major publications is yet to come, the initial reception suggests that the film is a powerful and impactful work.

Reviews: Positive Audience Reactions

While major critic reviews are not yet widely available, audience reviews on platforms like Google Play have been positive. One reviewer describes the film as a "decent film with a good storyline and acting, relevant to today's difficulties experienced by young people just trying to get by." These early reactions highlight the film's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Why to watch this movie: A Story of Heart and Hustle

• For an Authentic Story: The film offers a genuine and often overlooked perspective on a real-life subculture in Atlanta, providing an intimate look into the lives of the "water boyz."

• For a Powerful Message: It's a film that tackles important social issues with a human touch, reminding us of the importance of community, ambition, and the strength of the human spirit.

• For a Good Drama: If you enjoy coming-of-age stories and crime dramas with a lot of heart, this film will not disappoint.

• For the Performances: The film features a talented cast, including a standout performance from Akili McDowell, who brings a lot of heart and humanity to the role of Drew.

Movie Trend: The Urban Coming-of-Age Story

The film follows the trend of urban coming-of-age stories that use a specific city as its backdrop to tell a universal story. Like films such as Boyz n the Hood or ATL, The Waterboyz uses its setting to create a sense of authenticity and to explore the challenges faced by young people in a specific cultural context.

Social Trend: The Street Entrepreneur

The film directly addresses the social trend of street entrepreneurship, which is a common phenomenon in many cities. It explores the reasons why young people turn to these hustles, the challenges they face, and the fine line between being an entrepreneur and being a part of a dangerous street economy.

Final Verdict: A Vital and Timely Film

The Waterboyz is a vital and timely film that gives a voice to a group of young people who are often misunderstood. It's a powerful and engaging drama that is both a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and a sobering look at the challenges of survival in a hostile environment. With its strong direction, authentic performances, and important message, it's a film that is well worth watching.