By Ashley Hillard

A young mother is faced with charges for a crime she did not commit in ”American Violet”. Though not original in concept or its themes, it is based on the true story of Dee Roberts, a hard working mother of four who went up against the Texas legal system. It is, unfortunately, an all too common story of racism in the American legal system, but Dee (played by a phenomenal Nicole Beharie) and her support system make it worth watching.

Tim Disney (writer of ”Oliver and Company”) helms this difficult story of a poor community in Melody, Texas that is targeted for a drug bust. The racist DA is set on making the lives of African Americans in the community miserable by forcing the people he falsely accuses of being drug dealers to make plea bargains. Dee refuses as a plea deal would mean losing housing and food stamps for her and her children. She is supported by her mother, played by Alfre Woodard and battles daily with her ex-boyfriend and father of two of her children Darrell (Xzibit).

Beharie makes this film tick, playing a character that is strong and sympathetic believably. She brings this film up from a respectable TV movie / ”Law and Order” level to a theatrically released feature level where she deserves an award or two. Alfre Woodard is also fantastic as Dee’s mother, who is torn between making sure her grandchildren are cared for and also wanting them to see their father, which causes headaches for Dee.

The acting is what sets American Violet apart and makes it worth seeing.

Extras

DVD extras include commentary by Tim Disney and a great panel at the Telluride Film Festival that Beharie, Disney and the real life Dee Roberts take part in, sharing their insights on the situation that inspired this film.

This film is worth seeing for the performances.