“RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate” follows Unique, a veteran and ex-convict who seeks a fresh start in a small town. There, he begins to suspect that a gang of locals may have something to do with the disappearance of young men in the area.
A Slow Build with Purpose
Even before the opening credits and title card, “One Spoon of Chocolate” isn’t secretive. It quickly reveals the dark nature of its plot without going too in depth. This leaves elements of the motive open to interpretation, allowing some form of ambiguity to still remain as the central narrative begins.
After the energetic introduction, the film takes a “breather.” More specifically, it’s overindulgent. Attempting to create a well-rounded character in Unique, “One Spoon of Chocolate” spends too much time on irrelevant subplots — bus rides, video games, basketball and more. Even with these seemingly mundane events taking up the runtime, it somewhat works. Exploring a character who is fresh out of prison, these small moments each become a step towards a normal life again.
And even with the slow-paced start, “One Spoon of Chocolate” quickly brings back the tension.
Violence and Style
The movie is full of beatings, but the carnage is never fully emphasized. Because of a lower budget, cinematographer Brandon Cox finds different ways to capture the violence, utilizing shadows and blood splatters for visualization. The sound design often heightens the impact, with every punch and blow felt. Joe D’Augustine’s editing is important in these moments as well. While there is some choppiness in spurts, most of the sequences flow seamlessly.
The longer the movie goes on, however, the more it begins to show. The final act, especially, is upfront — and more graphic — in all of its bloody mayhem. As an action-thriller, this is when “One Spoon of Chocolate” is truly at its best.
The poster says “Quentin Tarantino presents,” and it makes sense that this earned his nod of approval with its grindhouse aesthetic and martial-arts-styled fights.
Themes Beneath the Action
For many of the progressions in “One Spoon of Chocolate,” you’re going to have to suspend disbelief. The main character is given a book that teaches him everything he needs to know to fight back. Individuals return to everyday life mere minutes after near-death experiences. The story itself is an exaggeration (hopefully) of most cities in modern day America. If you can look past these contrivances, though, the film remains entertaining.
Eventually, it verges into almost full “John Wick” territory. Except, here, the protagonist isn’t completely bulletproof. Unique receives plenty of bruises and wounds throughout the course of the runtime — making the stakes higher in the process.
Underneath the violence, “One Spoon of Chocolate” is a story about racism. Themes of inequality, cultural acceptance, justice and change are all explored.
The fictional town of Karensville, Ohio, is central to exploring these topics, proving to be a character of its own. It’s not only a place full of racial inequality, but also onlookers who allow it to continue. First, the film examines Unique’s desire for change as an individual. It then transitions into how he can make an impact in society. The film’s title alone delivers the overall message — in that it only takes one person to enact change.
“One spoon of chocolate will change a whole glass of milk.”
Can the messaging be too heavy-handed at times? Certainly. But it proves to be a gradual rise in thematics rather than a constant barrage. In its exploration of systemic racism, “One Spoon of Chocolate” is akin to another 2026 release, “Night Patrol.” However… this film is much more effective. The difference is that, here, the messaging radiates over the final act. Writer-director RZA establishes ideas over the first third of the 112-minute runtime that are then integrated into the story. With the core themes feeling like a necessity to this specific tale, their presence is far more earned.
“At its core, ‘RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate’ is a story of a young man’s journey to better his life’s circumstances, while everything around him is shaken,” RZA said. “All of our journeys revolve around the choices we make and how we choose to live with them. The film is both timeless and timely.”
Starring in the movie is Shameik Moore (Unique). He plays a complex character; one looking to make up for the mistakes of his past. As “One Spoon of Chocolate” progresses, his rage meter adequately increases. But there are also moments where he showcases emotion. Moore is surrounded by talented performers, but it’s he who remains the most memorable in the end.
Rounding out the ensemble cast are RJ Cyler (Ramsee), Paris Jackson (Darla), Emyri Crutchfield (Aretha), Blair Underwood (Officer Beam) and Harry Goodwins (Jimmy).
“RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate” combines social commentary with “John Wick”-style action. Societal change can spread from just one person — and it’s here to tell you.
Rating: 4 out of 5
