Kelvin Harrison Jr. Stars in an Epic of Romance, Race & Revolution in 'Chevalier'

The story of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–1799), composer, violinist, and fencer, deserves to be told, and Searchlight Pictures’ Chevalier, directed by Stephen Williams (Watchmen) with a script by Stefani Robinson (Atlanta) is a terrific movie. Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Elvis) in the title role, with a great supporting cast and stunning visuals, immerses us in Parisian life in the early days of the French Revolution.

Filmed in Prague, the settings are gorgeous and opulent (with the exception of some clunky CGI), from the decadence of the Court to the scenes of everyday life in a multiracial Paris. Revolution is in the air. We see people marching in the streets and meeting to discuss how a new France can be created. It was a time when women, not just Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton), had agency and influence.

The movie reveals a sensitive and moving portrait of a Black man who is adored and reviled, constantly judged by his white contemporaries, and never wholly accepted despite his musical genius. Harrison, who began his career in 12 Years a Slave and earned a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of The Trial of the Chicago 7 ensemble, steps into the spotlight in a lead role deserving of awards love.