Destined (2017)

Destined Poster

A man navigates parallel realities: one as a hardened criminal who has spent years building his drug empire; the other as an ambitious architect who has been working his way up the corporate ladder.

Introduction
"Destined" is a compelling and thought-provoking 2017 film directed by Qasim Basir. The narrative expounds on the property of "what if", checking out the parallel universes of a single character, Rasheed, excellently represented by Cory Hardrict. The film poetically explores two imaginable scenarios of Rasheed's life by dividing itself into 2 acts, each detailing a stemming path from one turning point of the protagonist's teen life.

Act One: Architect
In the very first act, Rasheed, the movie's primary character, is represented as an ambitious architect working for a significant development firm in Detroit. He browses the complex, competitive dynamics of a corporate environment while working on a massive, gentrification-spurring task in his old neighborhood. Surrounded by coworkers who do not share his background or totally comprehend his ambitions, Rasheed still pursues success trusting his talent and intelligence. There is a sense of oppression came from the business bias that provides the story an underpinning tension.

Act Two: Street King
The 2nd act provides an alternate universe. Now, Rasheed (likewise called 'Sheed) is a feared drug lord judgment over the exact same Detroit area. Regard and power now come from a location of fear and control. 'Sheed is confronted with opposition from a competing gang and having a hard time to keep control over his turf. His battle is not just external, there is vulnerability in his character as he considers the course of his life, challenged by the violence and lawlessness of his world.

Parallel Narratives and Themes
"Destined" nonstop switches between the 2 stories-- Architect Rasheed's life of satisfying career however racial bias, and Street King 'Sheed's life of high-risk high-reward street reliability. This follows the cause-and-effect relationship that shows how one choice, made at a single point, might substantially modify a life's path.

The movie concentrates on the themes of fate, fate, and choices, highlighting the social challenges connected to business discrimination, gang violence, and systemic racism and corruption that pervasively infiltrate the lives of those in marginalized communities. It puts a spotlight on the paradox of gentrification - the act of establishing poorer neighborhoods which eventually results in displacement of its citizens.

Conclusion
"Destined" concludes with a thought-provoking climax that combines the 2 parallel universes showing the last domino falling in both Rasheed's lives. Through an outstanding mix of clever scriptwriting and effective efficiencies, it looks for to begin discussions about private fate, individual options, and social structures that might predestine our fate.

Through the story of Rasheed, "Destined" motivates viewers to examine their lives, options, and the causal sequences of their decisions. This multilayered narrative leaves audience facing questions of destiny and consequence, challenging them to believe much deeper about life's myriad possibilities. It's a contemplative piece of cinema clarifying city realities and the complicated nature of personal destinies.

Top Cast

  • Cory Hardrict (small)
    Cory Hardrict
    Sheed / Rasheed
  • Jesse Metcalfe (small)
    Jesse Metcalfe
    Officer Holder / Dylan Holder
  • Margot Bingham (small)
    Margot Bingham
    Maya
  • Robert Christopher Riley (small)
    Robert Christopher Riley
    Cal / Calvin
  • Jason Dohring (small)
    Jason Dohring
    Officer Miller / Nathan Miller
  • Zulay Henao (small)
    Zulay Henao
    Giselle Porter
  • Hill Harper (small)
    Hill Harper
    Mayor Jones
  • La La Anthony (small)
    La La Anthony
    Jada
  • Mo McRae (small)
    Mo McRae
    Tay / Dontay
  • James McCaffrey (small)
    James McCaffrey
    Bill Holder