---
title: "One Night in Miami..."
year: 2020
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/one-night-in-miami"
fi1m_id: "one-night-in-miami"
imdb_id: "tt10612922"
tmdb_id: 661914
wikidata_id: "Q83973479"
fi1m_score: 84
critics_score: 77
critics_reviews: 27
published: "2026-10-03T01:30:19.748303+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-03T01:30:20.261747+00:00"
region: "MY"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# One Night in Miami... (2020)

Directed by Regina King · 1h 54m · Drama

## Identity

One Night in Miami...

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/one-night-in-miami
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** one-night-in-miami
- **IMDb ID:** tt10612922
- **TMDB ID:** 661914
- **Wikidata ID:** Q83973479
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10612922/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/661914, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83973479

**Fi1m score: 84** · Critics 77 from 27 reviews

*In a sentence:* Fame is no help when your friends have all prepared counterarguments

> Regina King’s drama makes absorbing company of four famous men who cannot agree on what their influence is for. The performances keep its arguments personal, though some exchanges are too neatly written to sound spontaneous.

## Synopsis

In Miami, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) gather in a motel room. Away from their public lives, the four friends bring different ideas about success and responsibility. Malcolm X wants them to consider what their influence can do for black Americans. His urgency meets resistance, particularly from Sam Cooke, whose choices come under scrutiny. The gathering becomes a debate about race, work and the obligations of famous men, conducted between friends who cannot keep their own lives out of the discussion.

## Review

*One Night in Miami…* is a rewarding drama about arguing with friends. Regina King gives Malcolm X, Cassius Clay, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke enough room to be awkward company, and the actors make that company worth keeping. Their private gathering becomes a discussion of what successful black men owe other black people. The film sometimes sounds too carefully prepared, but we recommend it for the moments when affection makes an opinion harder to say aloud.

Kemp Powers’s screenplay sets public responsibility alongside the ordinary business of being friends: admiration, rivalry and the wish to have one’s choices respected. Nobody can simply dismiss the others as strangers who know nothing. Regina King is attentive to the difference between speaking persuasively and getting through to somebody. Yet some exchanges arrive with their subjects too neatly labelled, and the opening takes too long to settle into the gathering.

Kingsley Ben-Adir plays Malcolm X with an urgency that can make him difficult to be near. We were moved by his weariness: in the exchanges with his friends, persuading them seems to cost him the pleasure of being with them. Leslie Odom Jr. gives Sam Cooke enough self-possession to resist becoming merely the person Malcolm X needs to convince. Their disagreements are involving because both actors let wounded pride show through the reasoning, without asking us to stop taking the reasoning seriously.

Eli Goree’s Cassius Clay brings welcome exuberance to a film that could otherwise become oppressively conscientious. His confidence is enjoyable without making the character seem immune to the people around him. Aldis Hodge gives Jim Brown a quieter presence, and we often found ourselves watching him while somebody else was speaking. The pleasure comes from watching each actor adjust to the other three, especially when somebody’s confidence has begun to grate.

Tami Reiker’s cinematography works well in the motel room, keeping our attention on faces through the longer exchanges. Production designers Barry Robison and Page Buckner give the men a suitably modest setting, without making the room itself a distraction. This helps us accept them as friends sharing a space, with all the familiarity and impatience that can involve. The limitation is that the film occasionally leaves us too aware of four performers waiting for the next substantial speech.

Tariq Anwar’s editing gives the listeners time to register their doubts, though it cannot make every carefully developed point feel like spontaneous conversation. There are stretches when the rhythm grows dutiful, and a little less explanation would have sharpened the friction. Terence Blanchard’s score leaves the dialogue enough room, but it is Leslie Odom Jr.’s singing that makes the stronger impression. His voice gives Sam Cooke a persuasive presence that the spoken exchanges sometimes work too hard to establish.

Historical dramas can be so respectful of famous people that they leave them nothing interesting to do. Regina King lets these men be irritating without making them unworthy of affection. At 114 minutes, the film asks for patience with talk and mostly repays it. Choose it for the actors, and allow for the occasional speech that should have been interrupted.

*Fi1m score 84, published 3 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find One Night in Miami… an affecting, politically thoughtful drama, with praise centred on the four leads and Regina King’s assured direction. Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Malcolm X draws particular attention for his vulnerability and moral urgency, while Leslie Odom Jr.’s singing and the ensemble’s natural chemistry are recurring strengths. The reviews value the way the conversations reveal friendship, disagreement and private uncertainty beneath the men’s public reputations.

Reservations concern the slow opening, occasional sluggishness and how fully the film escapes its stage origins, though these rarely overturn the positive verdicts. The spread is broad, but the sharper objections come from a small minority: Vulture finds the dialogue softened and the portrayals incomplete, despite admiring Odom Jr.’s singing. Little White Lies likewise praises the nuanced acting but argues that the slow pace and stagey presentation prevent the drama from having the force its subject warrants.

## Straight answers

**Is One Night in Miami... worth watching?**

*One Night in Miami...* is worth watching for its four performances and absorbing arguments about friendship and public responsibility; we score it 84. We recommend it to anyone who enjoys dialogue-led drama, with the caveat that the opening takes time to settle and some speeches sound too carefully prepared to pass for spontaneous conversation.

**How long is One Night in Miami..., and what is it rated?**

*One Night in Miami...* runs 1h 54m. It is a drama film.

**Where can I watch One Night in Miami... in Malaysia?**

*One Night in Miami...* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Malaysia. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is One Night in Miami..., and is it suitable for children?**

*One Night in Miami...* carries a UK 15 certificate, so it is not suitable for children under 15. The classification indicates adult material, but we cannot give a specific warning about violence or frightening scenes from that alone. Our recommendation is for older teenagers and adults interested in sustained discussion of race, work and responsibility.

**How does One Night in Miami... compare to Ma Rainey's Black Bottom?**

*One Night in Miami...* has the edge over [*Ma Rainey's Black Bottom*](https://film.one/film/ma-raineys-black-bottom) for the interplay among its four leads, though both reward a taste for performance-led drama. We recommend the former for its debate about friendship and responsibility; the latter centres black musical talent and commercial power. Its theatrical confines remain more apparent, but Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis make it worth watching.

**What should I watch after One Night in Miami...?**

After *One Night in Miami...*, try [*Ma Rainey's Black Bottom*](https://film.one/film/ma-raineys-black-bottom) (2020, Fi1m 69): Black musical talent, commercial power and arguments that refuse to stay politely professional. Then [*12 Angry Men*](https://film.one/film/12-angry-men) (1957, Fi1m 91): For the pleasure of watching fine actors make disagreement feel physically demanding; and [*Malcolm X*](https://film.one/film/malcolm-x) (1992, Fi1m 79): A fuller portrait of the man, with more room for his beliefs to change.

### Reviews we read (27)

- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (5/5): O’Sullivan enthusiastically praises Regina King’s film as an electrifying, moving achievement, though she wishes it lasted longer. She singles out Kingsley Ben-Adir’s intense portrayal of Malcolm X and the ensemble’s performances, especially Leslie Odom Jr’s singing. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-a4568636.html)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland (A-): Erbland calls the film a powerful, emotionally grounded directorial debut. She especially praises the revelatory performances and the film’s vivid portrayal of the men’s friendship and conflicts. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-1234584340/)
- **Empire**, Ellen E Jones (85/100, inferred): Jones gives the film a strongly positive verdict, calling it a fresh insight into historical figures and a promising start for Regina King. She especially praises the cast’s performances, singling out Eli Goree’s lively portrayal of Ali. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/one-night-in-miami/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (85/100, inferred): Chang gives the film a strongly positive verdict, praising its wit, compassion and refusal of easy answers. He singles out the actors’ harmonized performances and King’s disciplined, fluid direction. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2021-01-07/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-ali-malcolm-x)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (Critics Pick): Gleiberman finds the drama compelling and moving, praising Regina King’s confident direction for making the motel-room gathering feel authentic. He especially singles out the performances, which bring out the legends’ contradictions and vulnerabilities. [Read](https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-1234761095/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (82/100, inferred): Rooney finds the adaptation stirring and skillfully directed, despite its lingering stage-bound quality. He especially praises the charismatic performances, singling out Kingsley Ben-Adir’s quietly impassioned portrayal of Malcolm X. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/one-night-in-miami-film-review-venice-2020-4056061/)
- **Radio Times**, Hanna Flint (4/5): Flint describes Regina King’s directorial debut as assured, emotionally intelligent and vivid. She singles out its exploration of Black masculinity and the differing perspectives of the four men. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-r49atj/one-night-in-miami/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (4/5): Cole finds the film an intimate, empathetic portrait that grows stronger once it settles into its central gathering. He particularly praises Kingsley Ben-Adir’s soulful, morally urgent portrayal of Malcolm X. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/one-night-in-miami-blu-ray-review-regina-king-criterion/)
- **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (80/100, inferred): Brody finds the film a compelling, carefully controlled drama that turns a private gathering into a debate about public responsibility. He especially praises the ensemble performances and King’s direction of the actors. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/one-night-in-miami-reviewed-regina-kings-first-dramatic-feature-is-a-feast-of-performance)
- **Time Out**, Stephen A Russell (4/5): The review describes Regina King’s directorial debut as forceful and impactful. It singles out the film’s punch as its key strength. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/one-night-in-miami)
- **The Guardian**, Jonathan Romney (78/100, inferred): Romney finds the film immensely watchable and an affecting evocation of a pivotal moment in Black America. He singles out the magnetic performances of Kingsley Ben-Adir and Leslie Odom Jr. and their interplay. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/07/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king)
- **The AV Club**, Shannon Miller (B): The review finds Regina King’s adaptation humane, politically thoughtful, and grounded, despite a slow start. It especially praises the four lead performances, singling out Hodge and Ben-Adir for their subtlety and vulnerability. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/one-night-in-miami-pulses-with-the-beating-hearts-of-1845971915)
- **The i Paper**, Geoffrey Macnab (75/100, inferred): Macnab finds the film poignant and emotionally affecting, praising Regina King’s convincing portrayal of four complex personalities. He also singles out the electrifying scene in which Sam Cooke calms a hostile audience with “Chain Gang.” [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-debut-poignant-character-study-cassius-clay-malcolm-x-sam-cooke-641106)
- **Sight and Sound**, Andrea Arhagba (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film powerful and compelling, connecting its conversations to the struggles of Black America and the present day. She especially praises the cast and the production design, costumes and cinematography that recreate the period. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival/reviews/one-night-miami-regina-king-lff-critics)
- **The New York Times** (66/100, inferred): The accessible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It also provides no information about what the review praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/movies/one-night-in-miami-review.html)
- **Screen Daily**, Fionnuala Halligan (65/100, inferred): The review’s verdict is not visible in the accessible page text. Its specific praise or criticism is likewise unavailable. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/one-night-in-miami-venice-review/5152923.article)
- **Vulture**, Helen Shaw (55/100, inferred): Shaw finds the film thoughtful but constrained by softened dialogue and performances that do not fully capture its historical figures. She singles out Leslie Odom Jr.’s singing, especially the concert sequence that becomes the film’s most powerful scene. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-prime-video-movie.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Flora Spencer Grant (35/100, inferred): The critic finds the film timely and its central figures compelling, but says it ultimately fails to pack a punch. She praises the nuanced performances, especially Leslie Odom Jr.’s portrayal of Sam Cooke, while faulting the film’s slow pace and stagey feel. [Read](https://lwlies.com/festivals/one-night-in-miami-first-look-review)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A-): Goldberg finds the film a fascinating, electrifying drama, despite occasional sluggishness. He praises Regina King’s assured direction and the ensemble’s powerful performances, especially Kingsley Ben-Adir’s portrayal of Malcolm X. [Read](https://collider.com/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king/)
- **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (90/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film powerful and essential viewing. She especially praises Kingsley Ben-Adir’s nuanced performance, while noting the strength of the ensemble. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/one-night-in-miami-2020-film-review-by-jennie-kermode)
- **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (9/10): The critic calls the film engrossing and praises Regina King's assured direction and the natural chemistry among its four leads. Kingsley Ben-Adir's emotionally spent portrayal of Malcolm X particularly stands out. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/576517/one-night-in-miami-review/)
- **NME** (85/100, inferred): The review finds Regina King’s adaptation powerful and compelling. It especially praises Eli Goree’s standout performance as Cassius Clay. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/one-night-in-miami-review-2781281)
- **Paste**, Andy Crump (8.9): Crump finds the film thoroughly entertaining and its conversations still urgent. He especially praises the cast’s natural chemistry and Kingsley Ben-Adir’s performance as Malcolm X. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/amazon-prime/one-night-in-miami-review)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4/5): The review calls the film a rewarding, triumphant directorial debut that finds psychological depth beneath its fictional gathering. It praises Regina King’s direction and the performances, especially Kingsley Ben-Adir’s anxious, inward portrayal of Malcolm X. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/one-night-in-miami-review-regina-king-malcolm-x/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (80/100, inferred): The critic finds Regina King’s feature debut ambitious and successful, turning a stage-bound premise into a vibrant historical drama. The performances of the four leads are singled out for bringing humanity and distinctiveness to the cultural icons. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/one-night-in-miami-film-review-regina-king-muhammad-ali-malcolm-x/)
- **Consequence**, Joe Lipsett (78/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a quiet, contemplative, timely meditation on race, responsibility, and revolution. They praise Kingsley Ben-Adir and Leslie Odom Jr.’s nuanced performances and single out a scene intercutting Malcolm X’s story with Cooke’s performance. [Read](https://consequence.net/2021/01/film-review-one-night-in-miami-regina-king/)
- **HeyUGuys** (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the film competent and engaging but ultimately plateauing without a dramatic climax. They praise the actors’ magnetic performances and the charged conversations about racial identity. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/one-night-in-miami-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Regina King
- **Director:** Regina King
- **Screenplay:** Kemp Powers
- **Cinematography:** Tami Reiker
- **Editor:** Tariq Anwar
- **Music:** Terence Blanchard
- **Production design:** Barry Robison, Page Buckner
- **Costume design:** Francine Jamison-Tanchuck
- **Producer:** Jessica Wu, Keith Calder, Jody Klein
- **Cast:** Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X; Eli Goree as Cassius Clay; Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown; Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke; Joaquina Kalukango as Betty X; Nicolette Robinson as Barbara Cooke; Michael Imperioli as Angelo Dundee; Lawrence Gilliard Jr. as Bundini Brown
- **Runtime:** 1h 54m
- **First release (Italy):** 7 September 2020
- **Genres:** Drama
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8vf_Cmh9nY

## Where to watch in Malaysia

- Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd

*Checked 2026-10-03.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Ma Rainey's Black Bottom* (2020), Fi1m 69: Black musical talent, commercial power and arguments that refuse to stay politely professional. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ma-raineys-black-bottom.md)
- *12 Angry Men* (1957), Fi1m 91: For the pleasure of watching fine actors make disagreement feel physically demanding. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/12-angry-men.md)
- *The Big City* (1963): Another patient account of earning a living while other people prescribe your duties.
- *Malcolm X* (1992), Fi1m 79: A fuller portrait of the man, with more room for his beliefs to change. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/malcolm-x.md)
- *A Man for All Seasons* (1966), Fi1m 81: Another historical drama where conviction becomes a problem between people who know each other. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/a-man-for-all-seasons.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/one-night-in-miami