Equal Standard is a 2021 crime drama exploring Black and white detective tensions and police brutality.
Equal Standard, released in theaters in May 2021, is an American crime drama film that delves into the complexities of race and law enforcement in New York City. The narrative centers on Detective Chris Jones, a Black officer who, after being shot by a white colleague, returns fire and fatally wounds his assailant. The film's script was penned by Taheim Bryan, who was tragically killed in New York City later that year.
Directed by Brendan Kyle Cochrane, the film features a cast including Ice-T, Maurice Benard, and Tobias Truvillion in the lead role of Detective Jones. Critics offered a range of opinions, with some finding the film unfocused and overstuffed, while others highlighted Truvillion's authentic and tender portrayal of a "good cop" amidst a flawed system. The movie has been described as an attempt to capture the essence of the Black Lives Matter movement within a cinematic context, tackling relevant themes concerning the relationship between Black communities and law enforcement.