KNOW ME
In 2012, Rudy Eugene became known as “The Miami Zombie” when he attacked a homeless man because of bath salts. Inspired by the real-life incident, filmmaker Edson Jean‘s film KNOW ME dramatizes the case, bringing much-needed humanity to a story most of us think we know.
The film follows younger brother Kenson, who deals with the immediate aftermath and misinformation spreading nationally and throughout his tight-knit Haitian community. While Jean changes the main character’s name to Jimmy Hilaire, the story comes from Kenson’s perspective as he attempts to arrange funeral services and fight the false narratives.
Jean utilizes black-and-white flashbacks to give us insight into who Jimmy was. The specific choice not to replay the video from the incident leaves a powerfully subconscious impact. The commentary on the media is as relevant today as ever. How does one man preserve the legacy raging against an entire industry? Separately, we watch family matriarch Pauline’s nuance journey to closure. A poignant moment between her and the man Jimmy attacked delivers a quiet beauty.
Performances are exceptional. Donald Paul gives Jimmy such depth in his short time on screen. Carole Demesmin brings fierceness to Pauline. Her chemistry with the entire cast is applauseworthy. Jean not only takes on several behind-the-camera roles but also stars as Kenson. His raw portrayal pierces your heart. It is a wow.
Tackling religion, judgment, and racism, KNOW ME is a meditation on grief. The script calls out hypocrisy and digs into underlying hurt within a trauma response. It is an undeniably strong sophomore feature.
KNOW ME Teaser Trailer:
Based on a true story — It’s May 2012, Jimmy Hilaire attacked a homeless man on the MacArthur Causeway in Miami before being killed by police. As sensationalized details of the attack leak to the press, the “Miami Zombie” news story quickly gains ground. Across town, Jimmy’s brother, Kenson, is unexpectedly thrust into a whirlwind when images of his brother are suddenly plastered across major media outlets. Grief-stricken and profoundly shaken, Kenson must suddenly dive into preparing his brother’s funeral, discovering that to preserve Jimmy’s memory he must first combat seductive lies told by powerful media outlets and local Haitian church leaders. Struggling to clear his brother’s name and secure a proper burial, Kenson must also reconcile his memories of his brother with the violent, harrowing details surrounding his death.
KNOW ME Showings – select to order tickets:
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