? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-

(all times CLT)

What can a sixth-grader do about inequality? Set in 1980s Queens, ArmageddonTime opens a portal into the complexities of childhood and privilege through the eyes of sixth-grader Paul Graff (Banks Repeta).

The story unfolds at Public School 173, where Paul and his friend Johnny Davis (Jaylin Webb) form a bond in the cauldron of rebellion against their disdainful teacher Mr. Turkeltaub (Andrew Polk). What should be harmless youthful antics and their consequences end up serving as a microcosm for larger themes of race and privilege, opening Paul’s eyes to the reality of Johnny’s life as one of the few black students at the school.

Paul’s (star-studded) family: His father Irving (Jeremy Strong), mother Esther (Anne Hathaway), and grandfather Aaron (Anthony Hopkins) are central to his evolving understanding of American privilege and power. The Graffs, while outwardly progressive and sympathetic, are entangled in contradictions, sending Paul’s older brother to a prestigious private school funded by less savory benefactors like the Trump family.

The film is a nuanced reflection on the legacy of privilege and the painful process of coming to terms with one's place in a flawed world. Through Paul’s journey and his friendship with Johnny, the film offers a sobering yet deeply affecting commentary on race, privilege, and the struggles that define adolescence through the tender eyes of a 12-year-old.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the film on Netflix or watch the trailer (runtime: 2:25).

Tags: