‘Masterpiece’ Netflix film should be top of your watchlist | Films | Entertainment

Fans are insisting that film enthusiasts should not overlook this new release, which is being curiously undersold by Netflix. The film, which has been hailed as a ‘breathtaking masterpiece’, boasts an uplifting story both on and off the screen.

Colour Book is now available to stream, and while it has yet to secure a place in the charts alongside fellow new releases Voicemails for Isabelle and Office Romance, it is absolutely not to be missed. According to the synopsis, the film centres on single father Lucky, shortly after the death of his wife, as he navigates the challenges of bringing up his son Mason, who has Down’s syndrome.

In search of comfort, Lucky and Mason set off on a journey across Metro Atlanta to attend their very first baseball game together. Over the course of their day-long adventure, the pair encounter Murphy’s Law — from car breakdowns to missed trains — facing a string of setbacks that put their bond firmly to the test.

Despite the obstacles, they press on, resolute in their determination to reach the game, reports the Mirror.

The film is said to offer an intimate portrayal of a father and son while exploring the realities of raising a child with Down’s syndrome, shining a light on the strength and resilience that their relationship has forged.

The title was written and directed by filmmaker David Fortune, whose own story is closely intertwined with the Netflix release. He participated in the streamer’s Netflix and Ghetto Film School Content Creator Programme, with his short film Us back in 2022.

Us has now become the foundation for his feature debut. Following his participation in the original initiative, Fortune was selected for Film Independent’s Amplifier Fellowship, another Netflix-backed programme for up-and-coming filmmakers.

Throughout the following year, he developed the project and secured grants to produce a pitch video, ultimately leading to funding for the film.

He also won the AT&T Untold Stories competition at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, which came with a $1 million prize and a year of mentorship. All of this has culminated in the finished product that is the film Color Book.

According to those who have already seen it, all this investment and dedication has proved worthwhile. Many believe it demonstrates that Fortune is a director worth keeping an eye on in future.

The film even secured several awards during its festival circuit run ahead of its Netflix debut.

The film hasn’t accumulated sufficient reviews to earn a score on Rotten Tomatoes, but the assessments it has garnered are overwhelmingly positive. One critic declared: “David Fortune’s Color Book is an intimate, breathtaking masterpiece. Anchored by phenomenal performances from William Catlett and Jeremiah Alexander Daniels, this soulful feature reminded me exactly why I love film.”

Another concurred and stated: “Netflix’s new hidden gem Color Book is a heartbreaking, must-watch father-son drama.”

They continued: “David Fortune’s striking feature debut is a quiet, emotionally powerful masterpiece that deserves a top spot on your Netflix watchlist.”

Sharing similar views, one critic wrote: “It works on every level, and it’s as uplifting as it is heartbreaking. Only time will tell for sure, but I believe David Fortune has made a classic–and possibly even a masterpiece.”

Viewers who have already seen it have also voiced their frustration that Netflix has not done sufficient promotional work for the film, suggesting it risks being buried within users’ algorithms.

One viewer encouraged others to “take the time to sit down and watch” the production. Another admitted: “The twist in the story left me on the edge of my seat. This is a family friendly film about making the best out of hard times and difficult situations. I will strongly recommend this movie to film lovers.”

Color Book is streaming on Netflix.