By Any Means takes a dark chapter of American history and makes it into a crime thriller. Set against the violence and racial tensions of 1966 Mississippi, the film follows an FBI investigation into the murders of civil rights leaders. It does not present Mississippi as just a backdrop. It makes the setting part of the story. 

Plot

The story is about a young Black FBI agent sent to Mississippi to investigate a series of murders connected to the civil rights movement. When he arrived, he landed in an uncomfortable position. He represents an institution that many Black communities have little reason to trust. He has to work in an environment that is unfamiliar. 

 By Any Means builds tension around the obstacles facing the investigators. Information is difficult to obtain, loyalties are uncertain and the threat of violence is real.

Photo : Just Jared

A Thriller With Something to Say

What makes By Any Means good is the way its social themes are built into the thriller. The film explores racism, institutional distrust and the struggle for justice, but these ideas influence the characters and the investigation. 

The main character has to navigate several conflicting identities. His position as a Black agent allows him to connect to the people affected by the violence. 

That tension gives the film much of its emotional weight. It also prevents the protagonist from becoming a standard crime thriller hero who simply arrives, solves the case and leaves.

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Cast

Mark Wahlberg plays Gregory Scarpa, the Mafia hitman who becomes an unlikely ally. He underwent a major physical transformation for the role. 

Giancarlo Esposito plays civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer, while Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, Ethan Embry and David Strathairn appear in important roles.

Photo: Just Jared

Production and Visual Style

The production uses the period setting to create an uneasy atmosphere. The locations, costumes and cinematography help establish a Mississippi where danger feels close even when nothing violent is happening.

Photo: Just Jared

This is not a movie for viewers looking for a fast, action-packed mystery. It is for audiences interested in crime dramas that combine suspense with a difficult chapter of American history. 

Thuso Mbedu leads the other cast in Children of Blood and Bone. The movie is an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s novel. It is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and arrives in cinemas on 15 January 2027.

Mbedu plays Zélie Adebola, a young woman who seeks restoration of magic to the kingdom of Orïsha. King Saran has carried out raids among the people in a bid to destroy all traces of magic that could become a threat to  Zele with her brother Tzain went on a dangerous journey to restore their magical powers. 

Photo: Instagram

The film cast includes Damson Idris as Prince Inan, while Amandla Stenberg plays Princess Amari. Tosin Cole takes on the role of Tzain, Zélie’s older brother. Idris Elba plays Lekan. Chiwetel Ejiofor is the ruthless King Saran, while Cynthia Erivo stars as Admiral Kaea. 

Also in the production are Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayra Starr, Temi Fagbenle, Shamz Garuba, and Kola Bodunde. Children of Blood and Bone themes are injustice, determination and hope. 

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After the casting announcement, Mbedu talked about  how the project had been years in the making for her. She revealed that reading Adeyemi’s novel in 2019 left a lasting impression and even inspired her to hope she would one day be part of its screen adaptation.

Photo: Instagram

“Children of Blood and Bone was gifted to me in 2019 and, truly, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve received. Upon reading it I fell in love with it – to the point that I made it a prayer point.”

The author said she was moved to come up with the movie after seeing the backlash against casting two black actors in 2012’s The Hunger Games.

“I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m going to write a story that’s so good and so Black that everyone’s going to have to read it even if you’re racist,’

The director, Prince-Bythewood told Variety that:

“I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ and the vibrant world of Orisha to life,” 

Photo: Instagram

Filming was done in Cape Town(South Africa), Canary Island (Spain) and Lagos (Nigeria). Despite facing issues over casting decisions, fans still look forward to this movie. With the stars involved, Children of Blood and Bone could be one of the top fantasy releases of 2027.

Zendaya got her third Emmy nomination for her role as Rue Bennett in HBO’s Euphoria. The nomination arrives at a time the series is approaching its final chapter.

She received her first nomination for Euphoria after the show’s debut season in 2019. In 2020, Zendaya won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She became the youngest winner of the category at 24 years.

She returned to the Emmys in 2022 and won the same award for the show’s second season. This made her the first Black actor to win the award a Drama Series twice.

Photo: Instagram

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Her latest nomination is her third in the lead actress category. Zendaya is nominated alongside Carrie Coon, Chase Infiniti, Keri Russell and Rhea Seehorn in the drama category. In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, she joked:

“I just hope you don’t get sick of me this year because I’ll tell you what, after this I’m disappearing for a little bit. I’m going to have to go into hiding for just a little bit,” 

Zendaya has also received Emmy recognition for her work behind the scenes. She earned nominations as an executive producer for Euphoria. This highlights her growing role in making the series popular.

In 2022, she received nominations related to the show’s music. Her involvement with original songs featured in Euphoria showed another side of her creative work. She has perfectly combined her acting career with music. Euphoria showed fans what her capacity was after her early years as a Disney Channel actor.

Photo: Instagram

Zendaya got film roles like Dune, Spider Man: No Way Home and Challengers. Her performances in these shows her versatility.

Zendaya’s third Emmy nomination shows she is an actress that should not be underrated. This achievement shows the belief fans and her colleagues have in her. Whatever the final  results, Zendaya’s work on Euphoria is appreciated.