Director Wes Andre Goodrich tells the story of a young man who can’t utter a word but has so much to say in his short film, Speak Up Brotha!. Roderick Lawrence is Ahmad, a man who suffers from deep anxiety when forced to interact with strangers in the outside world. The film opens at Ahmad’s therapy session, where he has nothing to say, but in his mind, he ironically glides into thoughtful spoken-word poetry about that which holds him back in expressing his thoughts and feelings.
Later, Ahmad is working as a rideshare driver and picks up his next passenger, Sasha (Madeline Grey DeFreece). Transfixed by her beauty, Ahmad’s heart swoons a bit just before slamming the brakes to avoid an accident. After apologizing, he turns on some tunes, and the two share a soulful moment. Then before he can ask her a question, she exits his car.
On the court, Ahmad is ragged on by his best friends, Jabari (Alphonso Walker Jr.) and Meek (Alphonso Walker Jr.), about the greatest missed opportunity of Ahmad’s life. But he receives a text that can change things around. Sasha text him that she left her book in Ahmad’s car and needs him to return it.

“…ironically glides into thoughtful spoken-word poetry about that which holds him back…”
From my point-of-view as an introvert, what stands out the most about Speak Up Brotha! is the dichotomy between the lead’s interior and exterior lives. Ahmad’s anxiety-ridden and can’t speak a word without suffering a panic attack, but he has the most profound thoughts of life and love swirling in his brain. The film harps on the idea that those who don’t speak have the most to say, and what they have to say is most profound.
Lawrence gives a fantastic performance as Ahmad. He captures the introvert so well in his physical performance until he has the opportunity to turn up the gas and become an accomplished beat poet. To my fellow introverts, you know this exact feeling. As Sasha, Madeline Grey DeFreece plays the sweet and touching counter to Ahmad and recites an equally soulful spoken word near the end.
Speaking of spoken word, the poetry written by Roderick Lawrence, Obie West, and James J. Johnson is on point, delivering the right impact for both Ahmad and Sasha. Poetry is sometimes complicated for audiences to wrap their heads around, but Speak Up Brotha! delivers clean, profound, and insightful comments for the average audience. Goodrich’s direction only enhances the story’s tone and poetry being told.
For screening information, visit the Speak Up Brotha! official website.