Spike Lee’s first major studio film in five years, BlacKkKlansman, also happens to be his best since 1980’s breakout Do The Right Thing.

The film, based on a wild true story, follows Ron Stallworth, a black officer from Colorado who partners with a white cop to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan branch.

Lee’s film is ferocious and viciously funny all in the same frame, with an angry, layered emotional centre that makes it hard not to feel enveloped in the events.

John David Washington — son of screen legend Denzel — owns the screen in a star-making performance fueled by wit, hubris and heart.

Adam Driver has a powerful turn himself, and continues his streak of providing great, grounded and balancing-act roles mixed with both comedy and dramatics.

Other standouts include Laura Harrier, Ryan Eggold, and Jasper Paakonen.

As a call-to-arms filmmaker, Lee has always been good at making people stand for freedoms, but with this firm admonishing of the Trump administration and current American climate, he’s never been more on point.

4.5/5 Stars