Mark Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. as one to watch. Cinnamon, his directorial debut, is one of the best films thus far of 2023. Stylish and gripping with a stunning cast, the movie is a throwback to the Blaxploitation era with a modern twist.

Tony nominee Hailey Kilgore, best known for her role as Laverne in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, plays Cinnamon, a young singer who dreams of leaving her small town. She boos up with Eddie, played by newcomer David Iacono, and gets caught up in a crime gone wrong, leaving them to deal with the wrath of Mama (Pam Grier) and her family.

Montgomery, clearly a student of film, delivers a vision that shines through in every frame of Cinnamon. His attention to detail is clear, creating a stunning movie that honors Black noir with a contemporary edge. The screenplay, also penned by Montgomery Jr., is a testament to his talent as a writer. With sharp dialogue and an epic soundtrack, the movie is equally disturbing and hilarious. Produced by NBA player Kevin Garnett, the story unfolds with well-placed twists and turns, keeping viewers guessing and engaged.

Cinnamon is packed with polished performances from veterans like Grier and Wayans, but Hailey Kilgore and David Iacono were riveting to watch on screen. Just like Montgomery is one to watch,  so are Kilgore and Iacono. Additionally, several longtime actors aren’t as well known but shine in the film, like Jeremie Harris (The Get Down, Vampires vs. the Bronx) and Jay DeVon Johnson (Queen Sugar, The First Lady).

Clocking in at 91 minutes, it’s no easy task to fuse a western, crime, Black noir, and Blaxploitation into one film, but Montgomery understood the assignment. Cinnamon is a must-see. Watch it on Tubi on June 23.