The metamorphic journey of Corey Davis, a young filmmaker as he reflects on a decade of his career. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary highlights his creative growth and challenges, showing essence of his passion.
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Review by Julie Sheppard:
This documentary from the USA, The Corey Davis Evolution Story, provides an inciteful look at the life of a talented and sensitive young filmmaker. It neatly follows a consecutive timeline, from his birth until this year. We get an intimate view of his ups and downs and of his relentless patience and determination. He aims to make a positive difference in the lives of the students at his tumultuous high school, and then breaks free of his small-town life by going away to college film school, finally meeting some artistic kindred spirits. I thought that the film does an excellent job allowing us to see his transition from his earlier films showing the world the way he wanted it to be, to newer works showing the world as it actually exists.
Many of his comments about his career up to now are made from a comfortable sofa at his family home. This setting allowed me to focus on, without distraction, his experiences to date, and marvel at his wisdom — beyond his years — as he urges viewers to believe in themselves and to strive for their dreams, often against all odds (such as dealing with alienation and fear during Covid).
The importance of his dreams is underscored by the narrator, whose impassioned voice assists in heightening Corey’s emotional stakes. It is helpful to see so much video footage of his work as a youngster, all the way up to the current day, revealing his artistic development and maturity.
The soundtrack, consisting of gentle piano and other light instrumentals does not distract, but complements his chill, relaxed demeanor for most of the film. I also appreciate the various computer-generated images here and there to underscore his ideas, in addition to being presented with several impressive animation films of his own creation.
This evocative piece would be highly suitable for other young filmmakers at the outset of their careers, to give them motivation and hope.
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