The Best of Enemies (2019)
Film · Drama, History
Stream itif you enjoy earnest, performance-driven historical dramas that focus on human connection and redemption.
A well-crafted historical drama that handles heavy themes of racism with a hopeful, crowd-pleasing touch. While predictable, the strong performances make it an inspiring choice for viewers who like their history with a side of reconciliation.
What it is about
Centers on the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader who reluctantly co-chaired a community summit, battling over the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina during the racially-charged summer of 1971. The incredible events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever.
Trailer
What The Best of Enemies is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Watching this film feels like a steady, deliberate journey through a volatile period of American history. The pace is measured, allowing the friction between the two leads to simmer before eventually shifting into a more optimistic gear. While the setting is thick with the tension of 1970s racial politics, the presentation remains polished and accessible, leaning into the emotional gravity of the performances rather than gritty realism or frantic editing.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is a film for viewers who appreciate stories of bridge-building and moral transformation. It works best for those who find comfort in the 'inspired by a true story' format where clear arcs of personal growth are central. You should skip it if you prefer historical dramas with a harder edge or more stylistic experimentation; the narrative structure here is traditional and follows a very familiar trajectory that some may find overly sentimental.
The right evening for it
It suits a quiet evening when you want something grounded yet ultimately heartening. It provides a thoughtful look at difficult social dynamics without leaving the viewer in a state of total despair.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
How The Best of Enemies leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
Expect to feel thoughtful and quietly moved, carrying a sense of cautious optimism about the possibility of individual change even in deeply divided times.
How The Best of Enemies ends
Spoilers. The whole ending, in a few lines. Nothing shows until you ask and then confirm.
The film ends with the final vote on desegregation during the charrette. After Ann Atwater votes in favour, C. P. Ellis shocks the assembly by also voting for desegregation, having realised the Ku Klux Klan is hateful. He makes a speech and publicly rips up his KKK membership card, inciting fury from his former allies. In the aftermath, his KKK associates attempt to burn down his gas station and the white community boycotts his business, but Ann and Bill Riddick lead the black community to support him by buying his fuel instead.
Closing titles report that the real-life Ann and C. P. travelled to different cities together to share their experiences. They remained friends for the rest of C. P.'s life, and Ann delivered the eulogy at his funeral.
Summarised by our AI from the plot section of the Wikipedia article, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. This summary is shared under the same licence.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
Hidden Figures (2016)
the same blend of historical social struggle and crowd-pleasing resilience
Green Book (2018)
an unlikely bond forming between two people from opposite sides of a social divide
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The Best of Enemies soundtrack
Music by Marcelo Zarvos
The Best of Enemies (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Marcelo Zarvos · 2019 · 18 tracks
Listen on Apple Music- 1Opening
- 2Voting Begins
- 3Endangered Species
- 4Flames
- 5Senate Selection
- 6Final Votes
- 7Picking Sides
- 8Larry in Trouble
- 9White Hood
- 10Organize
Album and songs from Apple Music.
Questions people ask
- Is The Best of Enemies a feel-good film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Feel-Good, with an authentic streak. A well-crafted historical drama that handles heavy themes of racism with a hopeful, crowd-pleasing touch. While predictable, the strong performances make it an inspiring choice for viewers who like their history with a side of reconciliation.
- How long is The Best of Enemies?
- The Best of Enemies runs 133 min and was released in 2019.
- Where can I watch The Best of Enemies in Australia?
- In Australia, The Best of Enemies is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Who composed the music for The Best of Enemies?
- The music for The Best of Enemies is by Marcelo Zarvos. The soundtrack album, The Best of Enemies (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), has 18 tracks.
- What songs are on the The Best of Enemies soundtrack?
- The Best of Enemies (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) has 18 tracks, including “Opening”, “Voting Begins”, “Endangered Species”, “Flames” and “Senate Selection”, and more. It is on Apple Music.
- Is The Best of Enemies worth watching?
- Stream it: if you enjoy earnest, performance-driven historical dramas that focus on human connection and redemption. IMDb users rate it 7.3 out of 10 from 21,596 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 51%, Metacritic 49 and TMDB users 7.4.
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