Concrete Cowboy w/ Ricky Staub, Caleb McLaughlin Interview

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor – ORIGINALLY POSTED APRIL 2, 2021

I’ve still yet to be onset of a film shoot here in Philly or anywhere for that matter, but since a number of movies get made in our city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, you’d think I could get an opportunity to do a little boots on the ground, film set reporting. I feel like I’m closing in, now having met (virtually) writer/director/producer Ricky Staub (click for in depth interview on his directorial rise from small time actor) his production company Neighborhood Film Co. hires people who were formerly incarcerated and gives them an apprenticeship to learn different aspects of the business. Thankfully, I have no record, but I think someone like that may be open to having a blogger on set to capture the vibe!

But for now, it was nice having a couple minutes to chat with Ricky about his feature film debut CONCRETE COWBOY (now streaming on Netflix) along with the younger lead Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things).

Tinsel & Tine CONCRETE COWBOY Interview with writer/director Ricky Staub and Caleb McLaughlin

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview CONCRETE COWBOY The film starts in Detroit where Cole (McLaughlin) has gotten in trouble for fighting in school once again. His mother picks him up with his bags packed (trash bags that is) and tells him she’s driving him to his father in Philadelphia. Caleb, 15 years-old, has not maintained a relationship with his father Harp (Idris Elba) over the 10 years since his mother up and moved them to Detroit. When Cole arrives he finds out his Pops spends all his time a couple blocks away at the Fletcher Street Stables. One of the last Philadelphia Stables run by black riders. Cole’s not sure what to make of all this horse stuff, there’s even one horse that lives inside his father’s dilapidated home in North Philly, where there’s nothing in the refrigerator to eat, no bedroom for him and no warm welcome. Which is why when a childhood friend, Smush (Jharrel Jerome) comes around to find Cole and take him under his wing, he’s more than happy to see him, even after he discovers Smush is mixed up with some Philly drug lords. The film pulls Cole in two directions throughout, he likes the horses and there’s good people at the Stables. But it’s hard work, the Stables are in jeopardy of being torn down by developers, and his father remains distant. He and Smush pickup their friendship like no time has passed, yet he’s afraid of the dangerous dealings in which Smush wants him to take part.

The film is artfully shot by Staub and his Cinematographer, Minka Farthing-Kohl. I grew up in the suburbs of Philly, but having lived inside the Philly limits for the last 30 years, I was surprised not to recognize a single frame. Many of the scenes are shadowy and dark with just spots of color. I asked Ricky Staub about this coloring choice. His answer is good (see video interview above) but still, when you have two very dark skin leads, the right lighting is everything!

The screenplay by Staub and Dan Walser, is based upon the novel Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri, which is a fictionalization of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club. Not having read the novel, I’m curious what Idris’ character Harp was like, as his arc in the movie is not as sharply defined as I expected. Nevertheless, the film’s main, important intention was to put a focus on the long history of these black Philly Cowboys, a group with personal ties to the director and I’m sure everyone concerned is rightfully, very pleased with the finished results.

Additional Cast: Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, Clifford “Method Man” Smith, Charles W Harris III (Philly Actor) Ivannah-Mercedes & Jamil Prattis (real Fletcher Street riders).

T&T @LAMB rating: 3.5 Outta 5