Editors note: This review was originally published after Chevalier’s world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 20, 2022. It opens in theaters today.
Chevalier is not just your typical biopic. It’s a captivating story about the life of violin virtuoso Joseph Bolonge Chevalier de Saint-Georges, brought to life by the talented director Stephen Williams and the brilliant writer Stefani Robinson. With an incredible cast including Kelvin Harrison Jr, Lucy Boynton, and Samara Weaving, this film is a must-see.
From the moment Joseph Bologne (Harrison) steps onstage, shouting “Play violin concerto #5!” with confidence, you can feel his passion and determination. He competes against the legendary Mozart, shredding that violin and earning a standing ovation from the French elite. But Joseph’s journey begins in a much different place, as he is bought from the French colony of Guadeloupe and dumped at a high-class boarding school for boys by his white, slave-owning father. Despite being treated poorly, he seizes the opportunity to prove himself in front of King Louis and Marie Antionette (Boynton), who bestow upon him the title of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, propelling him into high society.
However, Joseph’s success as a musician doesn’t come without its challenges. The color of his skin becomes a barrier to accessing Paris’ most prestigious venues. But when the Queen hosts a party and issues a challenge for him to write an opera, everything changes. Joseph needs sponsors and a singer, and with some smooth talking, he manages to secure what he needs to win the top spot. Yet, a chance love affair with the star of his opera, Marie Josephine (Weaving), threatens to destroy everything he has built.
As a Black man in a predominantly white, French society, Joseph faces limitations on what he can say and do. He finds solace in playing the violin, using it as a means of catharsis. However, he often confuses perfection with popularity, believing that he is loved for his talents when people only value what he can do for them. The brilliant score by Kris Bowers suggests that his presumptuousness and his relationship with a white woman seal his fate, hindering his ability to see clearly. Despite his best friend Phillipe’s (Alex Fitzalan) attempts to help him escape this toxic environment, Joseph declines, learning the hard way not to be so trusting.
The production design by Karen Murphy and costumes by Oliver Garcia are simply breathtaking. Every detail is meticulously crafted to transport the audience back to a time of song, music, and revolution. Williams’ camera work, especially when capturing Joseph playing the violin, is exquisite. Even the hair and makeup are flawless, a rarity for Black leads in film. Robinson’s script, while occasionally on the nose, avoids making Joseph a sympathetic character, which is refreshing.
The performances in this film are outstanding, but it is Harrison and Boynton who truly shine. Harrison continues to impress with each role he takes on, carefully navigating Hollywood on his own terms. Boynton delivers her best work to date, portraying Marie Antionette as a self-absorbed and anti-allyship Karen.
Chevalier is a powerful lesson in the consequences of getting in our own way. Joseph’s pursuit of his desires comes at a price, as he is rejected by the white individuals he once idolized. This crushing blow to his ego exposes the harsh reality of white supremacy. However, through his struggle, Joseph finds autonomy and dignity, using his music not to entertain white people, but as a form of rebellion.
Title: Chevalier
Studio: Searchlight Pictures
Release date: April 21, 2023
Director: Stephen Williams
Screenwriter: Stefani Robinson
Cast: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucy Boynton, Samara Weaving, Minnie Driver, Sian Clifford, Alex Fitzalan, Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 1 hr 47 min
