“One Night in Miami,”: In 1964, after Muhammad Ali’s historic win over Sonny Liston, himself along with others skip the party in favour of a private gathering.

In the vibrant backdrop of a racially charged America in 1964, “One Night in Miami” transports viewers to an unforgettable evening where four titans—Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown—gather in a modest hotel room following Ali’s stunning victory over Sonny Liston. This private affair is far from an ordinary celebration; instead, it blossoms into a profound dialogue that grapples with the intricacies of race, identity, and the burdens of celebrity.

As the night unfolds, the camaraderie among these icons shines bright. Ali, portrayed with palpable charm and electric energy by Eli Goree, is not just a boxing champion; he’s a man on the precipice of transformation, teetering between his rising fame and his commitment to his faith and people. Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Malcolm X serves as the intellectual anchor of the group, passionately articulating the struggles and responsibilities that accompany their celebrity status. His vision for a brighter future is both inspiring and haunting, especially as the weight of his activism and impending fate loom overhead.

Meanwhile, Aldis Hodge embodies the formidable Jim Brown, whose career as a football legend is entwined with his aspirations as a Black actor and activist. Brown’s presence adds a layer of complexity, reflecting the tensions between sports and the civil rights movement, while Leslie Odom Jr. brings Sam Cooke’s melodic genius to life, capturing the struggles of an artist who seeks to bridge the gap between entertainment and social justice. Cooke’s poignant songs, like “A Change Is Gonna Come,” resonate throughout the narrative, underscoring the urgency of the era’s fight against systemic oppression.

The film navigates this powerful narrative with a remarkable blend of gravitas and levity. Moments of levity arise as the quartet humorously debates their personal choices, like the challenges of giving up pork chops and alcohol for the sake of faith, revealing their humanity amid the heavy topics. Their discussions range from Cooke’s struggles with being an artist in a racially divided America to Ali’s burgeoning role as a cultural icon who grapples with the expectations of his community.

Regina King’s directorial debut is a masterful exploration of friendship and ideological conflict, highlighting the bond that forms when these giants come together to discuss their hopes and fears. The intimate setting of the hotel room serves as a microcosm for the larger societal issues at stake, where the conversation dances between humor and seriousness, echoing the complexities of the civil rights movement itself.

As the night draws to a close, the film leaves the audience with a poignant reminder: the fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and the conversations among these iconic figures are as relevant today as they were in 1964.