Overview
Struggling but unapologetically living on her own terms, Inez is moving from shelter to shelter in mid-1990s New York City. With her 6-year-old son Terry in foster care and unable to leave him again, she kidnaps him so they can build their life together. As the years go by, their family grows and Terry becomes a smart yet quiet teenager, but the secret that has defined their lives threatens to destroy the home they have so improbably built.
A Thousand and One: A love letter to mothers, sons, and hustlers of NYC
A Thousand and One is a 2023 American drama film written and directed by A.V. Rockwell. The film stars Teyana Taylor, Will Catlett, Josiah Cross, Aven Courtney and Aaron Kingsley Adetola. Set in the 1990s and 2000s, it follows a single mother who decides to kidnap her son out of the foster care system to raise him herself, as the two struggle with life in a constantly changing New York City.
The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2023, and won the Grand Jury Prize. It was released on March 31, 2023, by Focus Features.
A Thousand and One is a powerful and moving film about the love between a mother and son, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Teyana Taylor gives a breakout performance as Inez, a fiercely loyal and protective mother who will do anything to keep her son safe. Josiah Cross is also excellent as Terry, a young boy who is struggling to come to terms with his identity and the trauma he has experienced in his life.
Rockwell’s direction is assured and sensitive, and she captures the beauty and grit of New York City with equal skill. The film is a must-see for anyone who has ever loved someone unconditionally, or who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Why is the movie called A Thousand and One?
The title of the film is a reference to the Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales. In the Arabian Nights, Scheherazade tells her husband a thousand and one stories in order to stay alive. Similarly, Inez tells her son a thousand and one stories in order to help him understand the world around him and to give him hope for the future.
The title also has a more literal meaning. The apartment number of Inez and Terry is 1001. This is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is always the possibility of a new beginning.
Critical reception
A Thousand and One has been praised by critics for its powerful performances, sensitive direction, and realistic portrayal of New York City. The film has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it “a must-see film” and “a masterpiece of American cinema.”
Conclusion
A Thousand and One is a beautiful and moving film that will stay with you long after you watch it. It is a story about the love between a mother and son, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of stories to heal.