In the ending of “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” Jimmie realizes the house he cherished wasn’t built by his grandfather, prompting a journey of self-discovery and independence.
Introduction
“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” is a 2019 American film directed by Joe Talbot, making it his first movie. The story, inspired by Jimmie Fails’ life, revolves around a man trying to reclaim his childhood home in San Francisco, which has undergone gentrification. The film gained recognition for its storytelling, direction, and performances.
Sundance Premiere and Awards
It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2019, winning awards for Best Directing and a Special Jury Prize for Creative Collaboration. A24 released it in the United States on June 7, 2019. Despite its modest budget of $3 million, the film earned $4.6 million at the box office and received critical acclaim, particularly for Talbot’s work, showcasing the impact of gentrification on personal identity and community.
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The Last Black Man in San Francisco Ending Explained
At the ending of “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” Jimmie, the main character, discovers a painful truth about the house he loves so much that it wasn’t built by his grandfather, as he believed. This revelation shatters Jimmie’s long-held identity and connection to the house. Initially upset, he breaks his skateboard, symbolizing the breakdown of the foundation on which he built his sense of self.
However, as the story concludes, Jimmie realizes that his identity shouldn’t be solely defined by a house. In a symbolic act, he paddles away from San Francisco, distancing himself from the house and finally embracing his own identity. The ending conveys a message about the importance of finding one’s identity beyond external attachments and embracing who you truly are.
Release Date
“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” had its first showing at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2019. At the festival, it received recognition with awards for Best Directing and a Special Jury Prize for Creative Collaboration. After its premiere, the film was released to the general public in the United States on June 7, 2019, by the distribution company A24. This release allowed audiences across the country to experience the story of Jimmie Fails and his quest to reclaim his childhood home in a gentrified area of San Francisco.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco Cast
Actor |
Character |
| Jimmie Fails | Himself |
| Jonathan Majors | Mont Allen |
| Danny Glover | Grandpa Allen |
| Tichina Arnold | Wanda Fails |
| Rob Morgan | James Sr. |
| Mike Epps | Bobby |
| Finn Wittrock | Clayton Newsom |
| Isiain Lalime | Gunna |
| Jamal Trulove | Kofi |
| Jordan Gomes | Jordan |
| Maximilienne Ewalt | Mary |
| Jello Biafra | Tour Guide |
| San Quinn | Grown Ass Man |
| Daewon Song | Uncle Ricky |
| Andy Roy | Andy |
| Willie Hen | The Preacher |
| Thora Birch | Becca |
| Wynner Gonzalez | Andrew Joseph |
| Tonya Glanz | Nina |
| Sergio Gonzalez | Banker |
Plot Summary
“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” follows the story of Jimmie Fails, a young man living in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood. Jimmie, along with his best friend Mont, spends his days exploring the city and reminiscing about his childhood home—a grand Victorian house in the Fillmore District.
Believing the house was built by his grandfather, Jimmie becomes determined to reclaim it. When the current owners face family disputes, Jimmie and Mont seize the opportunity to move in, bringing back furniture from Jimmie’s aunt. However, their joy is short-lived as revelations about the house’s true history unfold, leading to conflicts, betrayals, and a challenging exploration of identity and gentrification.
The plot reaches its emotional climax during a play Mont creates, revealing uncomfortable truths and forcing Jimmie to confront the complexities of his past. The film concludes with a poignant moment of departure, highlighting the impact of loss, friendship, and the ever-changing landscape of San Francisco.
Review and Critical Acclaim
“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” is a wonderful movie that tells the story of Jimmie Fails, played by himself, and his friend Mont Allen, played by Jonathan Majors, as they navigate life in San Francisco. The film beautifully captures the essence of the city and explores themes of home, identity, and belonging.
The cinematography, done by Adam Newport-Berra, is stunning, and the performances by the cast, including Danny Glover as Grandpa Allen, are heartfelt. The movie received positive reviews, with critics praising its unique storytelling and emotional depth. The New York Times review by Manohla Dargis hails it as an indelibly beautiful story of love, family, and loss in America.
Dargis appreciates the film’s dreamlike quality and notes the powerful performances that blend melancholy with rapture. Overall, “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” is celebrated for its captivating exploration of identity, memory, and the profound connections people have with the places they call home.
Where to Watch
Viewers can watch “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” through various streaming options. The film is available on fuboTV, and for those who prefer renting or purchasing, platforms such as Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu offer the movie.
However, it’s important to note that the availability of the film may differ based on geographical location. Interested viewers are encouraged to check their preferred streaming services to enjoy this acclaimed drama that explores themes of place, identity, and race in San Francisco.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is the ending of “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” about?
In the ending, Jimmie discovers a painful truth about his cherished house, leading to a symbolic act of breaking his skateboard. The conclusion emphasizes the film’s message about finding identity beyond external attachments. - When was “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” released?
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2019, and was released in the United States on June 7, 2019. - What awards did the film receive at the Sundance Film Festival?
At Sundance, the film won awards for Best Directing and a Special Jury Prize for Creative Collaboration. - Who directed “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”?
The film was directed by Joe Talbot, marking his debut feature. - How much did “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” earn at the box office?
Despite a modest budget of $3 million, the film earned $4.6 million at the box office, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success.
