Black Joy

Set in the late 1970s London, the film captures immigration tensions and economic precarity. Ben's arrival at Heathrow and the reactions of officials reflect the era's climate toward newcomers. Urban life in Brixton exposes social and racial fault lines, while nightlife and makeshift housing reveal the precariousness of starting over in a big city.

Set across London in the late 1970s, the film follows a Guyanese immigrant navigating urban life. Heathrow Airport marks the entry point of Ben's journey, where bureaucratic suspicion frames his first impressions of London. Brixton becomes the central stage for housing, hostels, and street-level schemes that drive the story. The journeys span to Margate and Soho, showing the city's contrasts between opportunity, danger, and temptation.

🌍 Identity

The narrative centers on belonging and self-discovery in a city that treats newcomers with suspicion. Ben's naivety clashes with the London underbelly, forcing him to adapt quickly while preserving his sense of self. Through the mix of friends, lovers, and strangers, the film explores what it costs to rebuild a life in a new country.

💰 Exploitation

Characters maneuver for money and survival, often at the expense of trust. Ben is duped by Dave's charm and false security, and Devon's opportunism further complicates loyalties. The film shows how vulnerability in precarious housing and immigration status invites manipulation.

🤝 Friendship

Relationships in the story oscillate between support and manipulation, revealing the ambiguous bonds formed in tight urban spaces. Ben seeks help and a place to stay, forming uneasy alliances with Dave, Miriam, and Devon. The evolving dynamics test trust, loyalty, and the line between camaraderie and exploitation.