If you're looking for a film that explores the complexities of the "American Dream" through the eyes of a child, this 2022 drama offers a lot to chew on. The Story: Art, Rebellion, and Reality

Set against the backdrop of the Reagan era, the film follows 11-year-old (Banks Repeta), a young Jewish boy who dreams of becoming an artist. Paul struggles with his family's high expectations and eventually befriends Johnny (Jaylin Webb), a Black classmate who faces much harsher consequences for the same rebellious acts Paul commits. Why It’s Worth the Watch

James Gray's is a hauntingly personal coming-of-age story that ditches the warm glow of nostalgia for a sharp, uncomfortable look at privilege and prejudice in 1980s Queens.

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