In Black Cop, the directorial debut of Trailer Park Boys alumnus Cory Bowles gives a visceral, uncompromising look at police brutality and the baggage that comes with it.

Bowles — who also wrote the script — shines a light on this dark, topical issue with a glaring lamp, and laments the countless losses of black lives to the senseless violence of the boys in blue.

It’s a stunning, visceral debut that refuses to back down from the big questions, and Bowles makes no bones about his viewpoint.

Set against the backdrop of Halifax (the North End specifically, watch for Agricola St.), an African Canadian cop goes over the edge after a boiler point off duty confrontation with two white officers.

Ronnie Rowe Jr. is raw and magnetic as our cop, sick and tired of the oppression of one race, who takes his anger and frustration out on those white suspects or people he pulls over in the run of one difficult day.

Bowles isn’t afraid as a director to show the stark contrast between the treatment of white suspects and black ones, as well as the disparity between black cops and their white counterparts.

This multi-dimensional performance from Rowe Jr., coupled with effective use of narration and a stylish filming dynamic, makes for the best local film in a long time.

The film succeeds as a push-back alongside the Black Lives Matter movement, making Black Cop a ride-along you won’t soon forget.

4/5 Stars