SIFF Capsule Review: In 1980, Colin Warner was convicted for murder. The only problem: he was innocent. Nonetheless, Warner, who is African-American, spent 20 years in prison before his friend Carl King was finally able to secure another trial to vindicate him. The engrossing drama Crown Heights tells their true story.

Superbly acted and powerful, Crown Heights features a terrific performance by Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out). Writer/director Matt Ruskin injects his passion for the story into every scene, making for a quick-paced and impactful watch. What holds the movie back is that in his attempt to tell both Warner’s and King’s stories, Ruskin goes deep in neither. King’s is arguably more interesting, but Nnamdi Asomugha isn’t given much to do in his role. Still, Crown Heights is yet another powerful reminder about the injustice many black men have faced over the years.

Review by Erik Samdahl. Erik is a marketing and technology executive by day, avid movie lover by night. He is a member of the Seattle Film Critics Society.