36th Film Independent Spirit Awards: “Residue” (Two Nominations)

RESIDUE

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD*
BEST EDITING

*not voted on by Film Independent members

Viewing Information

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS — FILM #2 of 33
FEBRUARY 20, 2021
NETFLIX

BEST EDITING
Merawi Gerima

Film Synopsis

Residue chronicles aspiring filmmaker Jay (Nwachukwu), who returns to his native Washington, D.C. to find his old neighborhood is gentrified beyond recognition. Dealing with alienation from his friends, troubled by the disappearance of a loved one and unsure of his place in this new community, Jay confronts issues of identity, isolation and loss on a tumultuous personal journey.

Looking at Best Editing

There’s a point in “Residue” where you meet a young man fresh out of prison. He’s chatting with the protagonist’s father, reminiscing of their time as neighbors and being told to stay out of trouble. Later in the film, the father mentions his run-in with the young man fondly while looking through photographs. Immediately after, we’re looking at an arm dangling out of a vehicle, very clearly deceased. It’s the young man. The impact of that editing is like a literal punch to the stomach.

“Residue” is filled with impactful editing choices. How it will stack up against films like “Nomadland” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” will have to be seen. But those other films rely more on not editing, staying focused on a landscape or an emotional response, rather than creating a cut like physical violence. This is the first film Merawi Gerima has ever editing, so that should count for something.

BEST EDITING
RANKING

1. “Residue” — Merawi Gerima