Armageddon Time, written and directed by James Gray (Ad Astra, The Lost City of Z), is based on his life experience growing up in Queens, New York. The movie follows the awakening of Paul Graff, played by Banks Repeta (The Black Phone), a sixth grader in New York. His experiences of joy, heartache and loss are chronicled in this 115-minute film. Living with his parents and brother, he is championed by his grandfather (Anthony Hopkins). Paul confesses to his parents that he wants to be an artist, and they tell him to pick something more stable. However, his encouraging grandfather buys him a set of paints. It's the 1980s and Paul goes to school and meets Johnny Davis (Jaylin Webb), who is repeating the sixth grade, picked on by his teachers and treated with prejudice. They become fast friends who get into plenty of trouble, so much so that Paul is transferred to a private school. When he arrives at the elitist school, he is met with strange encounters with the Trump family and the same prejudice that Johnny experienced at their former school. His family must help him navigate that in pursuing his dreams.
Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs) gives a stellar performance as Paul's grandfather, the most layered character in the film. Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada) digs deeply to find strength as his mother and Jeremy Strong (Succession) gives a volatile performance as Paul's father. Repeta gives an emotionally charged portrayal throughout the film and Webb's fine acting adds to the story's texture, which makes the audience wish there were more of him in the movie. The movie is filled with powerhouse actors as if the audience is waiting to see which big star will appear on the screen next. Especially delicious is Jessica Chastain in an unannounced cameo role as Donald Trump's sister.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji (Uncut Gems) has created such a nostalgic 1980s look that seems to have been filmed on 35mm print instead of digital. The recreation of gritty honesty that Gray's life story portrays can be felt through Khondji's lens. Costume designer Madeline Weeks (Amsterdam) transports us to the period, and casting director Douglas Aibel (The Grand Budapest Hotel) has a magical knack for bringing actors together in unexpected roles. The movie provides a lesson in right and wrong, and it is effective because it is grounded in the writer-director's experience. These same lessons make this moment a good time to see Armageddon Time.