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Writer's pictureMykel Montana Hilliard

Jeremy Pope & Gabrielle Union Star in New Gay Military Drama 'The Inspection'

Entertainment News | TV & Film

"The Inspection" Film starring Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union

A new trailer for A24’s military drama "The Inspection" has premiered online. The film based on writer-director Elegance Bratton's life is set for theatrical release on Nov. 18.


Set in the 1990s during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era, the film stars Emmy and Tony award nominee Jeremy Pope as Ellish French, a troubled gay Black man who enlists in the Marine Corps after facing rejection from his mother (Gabrielle Union).

Throughout his time in the Marines Ellish faces abuse from his sergeant (Bokeem Woodbine) as well as peers, but eventually finds hope and a community along the way.


In addition to Pope, Union, and Woodbine the cast features Raúl Castillo, Aaron Dominguez, Aubrey Joseph and McCaul Lombardi.


In the trailer, we get a glimpse at Ellis having a conversation with his Mother who scoffs at the idea of him joining the military. The trailer also shows the intensity of military life and the harassment he faces for his sexuality. During one scene in the trailer, a sergeant is seen yelling “Are you now or have you ever been a homosexual?”

Before its theatrical release “The Inspection” is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival next month, before closing out the 60th New York Film Festival, on October 14.


In a previously released statement, the film's creator Elegance Bratton (known for My House (2018), Pier Kids (2019), and Buck (2020) expressed his excitement for his narrative feature debut being screened at the festival.

elegance bratton the inspection film
“I’m incredibly humbled that my debut feature film will close the New York Film Festival this year,” he said.

“So many of my favorite filmmakers have made an impact as a part of this illustrious program. I’m overwhelmed to be a part of it. And as a New Yorker, this is a dream come true.”


Gaye Flashback: (Elegance Bratton Marine Corps Photo)

Gabrielle Union shared via Instagram her excitement for the film: "Honored to be part of this powerful film written, directed, and inspired by the life of Elegance Bratton."


Dennis Lim, the New York Film Festival's artistic director called “The Inspection” “an autobiographical movie of rare power and confidence, a debut film for the ages.”

Watch the trailer for “The Inspection” below:



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