Jeremy Pope (The Inspection)
In The Inspection, Jeremy Pope plays Ellis French, a Black gay Marine who enlisted at the height of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 2005. French is seeking his mother’s approval even though she kicked him out of their house at age 16 for being gay.
The film, based on the true experiences of its writer and director Elegance Bratton, demands Pope’s ability to emulate the authenticity of this painful story, and he more than rises to the occasion. As Ellis remains determined to succeed in the military while facing mounting homophobia, Pope’s performance captures the fraught experience of craving maternal respect while knowing your most authentic desire means you’re likely not to receive it.
