Directed by Ruth Hunduma, this is the final moment before the heist. Arthur, Franz, and Odile prep before their big stunt. Tensions are running high. Starring: Terique Jarrett, Jordan Stephens and Lou Llobell.

It feels as though you’d have to be going into A Band Apart having seen practically no films at all to not appreciate Ruth Hunduma’s brilliant homage to cinema. Your more purist fans might lean towards the Godard reference, while the modernists might see the Tarantino to it, or those with a taste for the quirky might go towards Wes Anderson. Regardless, the way that the film is crafted is like a love letter to the artform, but it’s also a reinterpretation, because seeing this type of style with Black characters in the lead, is disappointingly uncommon.

A style that’s sharp, colourful, energetic, sleek and comes with a very British wit that is translated by both the direction and the writing. There’s also a hugely flirtatious nature to its atmosphere which is incredibly satisfying to watch unfold. Especially because the performances by Terique Jarrett, Jordan Stephens and Lou Llobell are excellent. They make a perfect trio, their personalities are a great blend and have qualities that balance so well. They’re funny and smart, quick and ooze a confidence which is not quite cocky but they’re certainly aware of their intelligence.

The writing gives them some superb material to work with, in less than ten minutes, characters that you’d happily follow for a full feature are born. You can’t help but want to know more, to explore their relationships and the trouble that they will inevitably get themselves into. Matched with such a fantastic aesthetic, it’s a very satisfying combination to watch unfold. The choices that Hunduma makes are thoughtfully crafted to bring together original, fun elements while paying homage, and making a solid commentary on the state of diversity in cinema, past and present.

A Band Apart is smart, stylish and sleek, putting together excellent direction work, a sharp, crisp aesthetic, a great cast and an entertaining script. The attention to detail is incredible, the editing work adds an extra edge which is wonderful and its homage is both genuine and has a layer of satire. It’s fascinating that in someone else’s hands this concept of a pre-heist meeting could have been a simple comedy, but Ruth Hunduma creates something surprisingly layered and clever, leaving you wanting more.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯½ | 9/10