Watch Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge and Michelle
- NR
- 2016
- 1 hr 27 min
Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge and Michelle is a biographical drama film based on the life of R&B singer Michel'le Toussaint, who was famous in the late 80s and early 90s. The movie gives an account of Michel'le's career, but more importantly, it explores the abusive relationships she had with two of the biggest names in the music industry at that time, Dr. Dre and Suge Knight.
The movie begins with a young Michel'le (played by Rhyon Nicole Brown) living with her mother and stepfather, who constantly belittles and berates her. Her only solace is her singing voice, which catches the attention of Dr. Dre (Curtis Hamilton), who at that time was a member of N.W.A. Dre takes Michel'le under his wing and produces her first album. The two embark on a romantic relationship, which soon turns abusive. Dre regularly physically and emotionally abuses Michel'le, and her attempts to leave him are often thwarted by his power and influence in the music industry.
After some time, Michel'le meets Suge Knight (R. Marcos Taylor), who at that time was the CEO of Death Row Records. Suge signs Michel'le to the label, and the two develop a relationship soon after. However, as time passes, Suge starts to assert control over Michel'le, using intimidation and violence to keep her in line.
Throughout the movie, we get to see the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse that Michel'le experienced from both Dre and Suge. Michel'le suffers from low self-esteem and becomes heavily reliant on drugs and alcohol to cope with her pain. The only person who remains a constant support for her is her mother (Donna Biscoe), who often berates herself for not doing enough to protect her daughter.
The performances in the movie are impressive, with Rhyon Nicole Brown standing out in her portrayal of Michel'le. She brings an authenticity to Michel'le's story, which is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Curtis Hamilton and R. Marcos Taylor also do a commendable job of portraying the two men who had a significant impact on Michel'le's life.
The movie's direction is compelling, with the director skillfully balancing the sometimes-dark subject matter with the more uplifting moments in Michel'le's life. The film's pacing is also appropriate, with each scene slowly building up to the next, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Overall, Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge and Michelle is a well-made movie that sheds light on the often-underreported issue of domestic violence in the music industry. It's a story of perseverance, strength, and survival that is both moving and impactful.
Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge and Michelle is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.