On the Come Up is Sanaa Lathan's directorial debut. Based on Angie Thomas' book of the same name, the film stars Jamila Gray as a young burgeoning battle rapper trying to live up to her late father's legacy. Bri is a young woman who is dealing with a number of issues, including trying to reconnect with her mother, poverty, and being bused to a predominantly white school.

This drama takes place in the fictional town of Garden Heights. Bri's late father was the rapper Lawless, hence her rap name Little Law. He was assassinated just as his star was rising, which fuels Bri's determination to forge her own path to greatness.

Kay Oyegon adapted the novel for the big screen, and she did an excellent job of keeping the novel's youthful tone. The film's structure can be a little generic at times, but the performances are what make it a winner.

Battle rap is another powerful theme in this film, and the scenes in the ring gives viewers a good sense of the lyrical gymnastics. Bri, like most teenagers, has a crew of friends who assist her in navigating adolescence. Malik (Brian Cooper Jr.), and Sonny (Miles Guiterrez-Riley), they, like her, are navigating the white suburban school system while dreaming about a better life. Bri realizes that she is no longer a "nobody" in the Ring. Her lyrics allow her to let go of all her burdens. It's basically her therapy.

Bre, who seems mature for her age is only sixteen and suffers from abandonment issues. The opening scene of the film, in which young Bri bids her mother farewell explains how separating from her mother still haunts her. She calls her Jay (Sanaa Lathan) instead of Mother to maintain emotional distance. Additionally her mother being a recovering addict further heightens the distrust.  At best, the two are cordial. Because Jay can't keep a job and Trey (Titus Makin) , her brother, doesn't earn enough to keep the family afloat, rap is Bri's only weapon for getting the family out.

Jamila Gray is compelling as the young phenom who aspires to use rap to better her family's life. Bri is a character who will speak to many young girls who are experiencing similar things.

However, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Aunt Pooh is the film's star. She, like Bri, has big dreams for her niece but dabbles in street life to pay her bills. Pooh, like many in her circumstances, attempts to strike a balance between normalcy and violence. In walks Supreme (Method Man) has father’s former manager. Supreme lavishes Bri with gifts, studio time, and a trip that changes everyone's lives. His promise to replicate what he did for her father moves her away from having her aunt’s guidance. Pooh, who wants to protect her from the harshness of the music business, is unable to provide the family with the paper they desperately need.

In order to gain attention Bri creates a gangsta rap track that resonates with the streets but attracts some listeners who aren't the fanbase that takes her lyrics to heart.

In her first time out directing a feature Lathan did a good job she had some excellent role models. Her father, Stan Lathan, and close friend Gina Prince- BytheWood, who directed her in Love and Basketball.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released on September 23rd on Paramount Plus. On the Come Up, like Thomas' previous novel, The Hate You Give, which was adapted for the big screen, is about a young girl struggling to be seen and understood by the world.

The film does an excellent job of demonstrating how the music industry frequently takes advantage of aspiring artists' desperation, and the music is also excellent. You can't have a battle rap film without good words, and On the Come Up enlisted the help of one of the best in the business, North Carolina's Rapsody, to write some bars for Bri. Every time Jamila raps, her tone and reflection are masterfully executed.

Overall, this is a solid debut from Lathan that will undoubtedly entertain the film's intended young audience.

This film comes out September the 23rd on Paramount + and in theaters