PopHorror Let's Get Scared
This past weekend, the first annual Toronto True Crime Film Festival took place. It was a two day fest dedicated to both true crime and fictionalized films based on true crime. I had the opportunity to view Gus Krieger’s film, My Name is Myeisha, a fictionalized film based on a true crime events. This is one of my first fictionalized films, and it’s unique in that it tells the story from the main character’s point of view, not in a documentary style, where it may be subject to news media biases. What did I think of this film? Read on to find out!
The film’s synopsis:
My Name Is Myeisha is a hip-hop musical inspired by the 1998 police shooting of California teen Tyisha Miller (as well as countless other acts of police brutality against African American citizens) and adapted from the internationally acclaimed play, Dreamscape. At the moment of Myeisha’s death at the hands of police, she guides us inside her mind and muses over the life she will be leaving behind, told through hip-hop, spoken word poetry, and dance.
I do not know anything of the play that the film is based on. I also admit, I don’t remember this case in the news. My Name Is Myeisha is creative in the approach of having the story completely told by the victim, Myeisha. She not only tells us but shows us her story through hip-hop and spoken word poetry, which is done brilliantly. I enjoyed this film. It wasn’t like anything I’ve seen. Rhaechyl Walker gives a knockout performance as Myeisha, especially since she gave the performance mostly solo. This was a powerful story that is both moving and thought-provoking .
Myeisha tells about going out with her cousin and friend on the third night of Kwanzaa. They get a flat tire and pull over in a gas station. While waiting for help to arrive, Myeisha is alone in the car, with music blaring, windows rolled up and doors locked. Her friend and cousin come back to the car and find her unresponsive. They call 911. What happens after is truly a horrific thing. But, before you find out what that is, you go on a journey with Myeisha, where she discusses her life, goals, mistakes and secrets, both through poetry and hip-hop. While this may sound flat and uninteresting, I promise it is done with heart and soul. The end will stun you and stick with you long after viewing.
I absolutely enjoyed My Name Is Myeisha. It is a must see for the performances, story and presentation. It truly makes you think about life, and I’m sure it will be one of the most unique fictionalized true crime films you will ever see. If you get a chance to view it, please do. You will not be disappointed.
