EXCLUSIVE CLIP: Mary J. Blige Dominates the Screen in ‘Rob Peace’ – Essence

Mary J. Blige returns to the big screen this summer in this drama directed by Oscar® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Based on the book by Jeff Hobbs, Rob Peace’s former roommate at Yale University, the film exposes the additional burdens that always weigh on the lives of sensible black men and examines who really has full access to the “American Dream.”

Despite academic success and a promising future, the titular character’s life takes a tragic turn as he faces several complex challenges at the intersection of race, class, generational trauma, and the burden of choices he must make.

Directed, adapted, and starring Ejiofor (), the film tells the true story of a vivid young man named Rob Peace (Jay Will), torn between his father’s dark past and his promising future as an Ivy League student. Raised by his devoted mother Jackie (Blige), Rob risks every thing he has worked for to free his imprisoned father (Ejiofor).

In this exclusive clip, Rob’s mother urges him to give attention to himself and leave the problems of East Orange behind. She implores him to decide on his own path in life and look to the future while he still has a moment to breathe.

in cinemas from August 16, 2024.