68
It’s a film that hits some narrative bumps along the way without diminishing its tougher observations about race, the police, and the treatment of veterans.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
63
Slant Magazine by Chris Barsanti
Abi Damaris Corbin’s quiet and unobtrusive style helps 892 build tension primarily from character instead of incident.
50
Consequence by Clint Worthington
There’s little to latch on here apart from its purpose as an actor’s showcase for Boyega, Beharie, and Williams, and its bittersweet status as a sendoff for the latter’s illustrious career.
67
Corbin’s film is brutal and sad, thanks to its brutal and sad origins and the abilities of Boyega, but its wandering eye is just the latest to gloss over Brian Easley.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Lovia Gyarkye
Not only does it offer a damning lesson about how the United States abandons its veterans, but it tries, with honesty and feeling, to honor a man who just wanted to survive.
60
The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw
Boyega’s performance has an essential sympathy and dignity that are vital to this drama; an unshowy sense of self-worth that keeps it together.
70
Boyega is the most interesting thing about the movie — specifically, the way he portrays this tragic, psychologically damaged individual fighting for what matters to him — although it’s also noteworthy for featuring Michael Kenneth Williams’ final performance as the hostage negotiator.
42
The Playlist by Robert Daniels
The star-studded cast does good, dependable work. There are visual flairs that linger in the mind: For all its faults, this movie has a striking look to it. And Corbin’s best intentions are genuine. The ending comes with a startling bang. But what remains when the dust settles? By the end of the over-tightened 892, unfortunately, a memorialization to Brown-Easley’s plight, we know little about the actual man.
42
It has so many things it wants to say about the state of modern America, but it finds no suitable or impactful way to say them.
80
Superb performances from Boyega and the late Michael Kenneth Williams highlight this sombre, character-driven tale.