Jeremy Pope Stars as Closeted Marine in ‘The Inspection’

Elegance Bratton will make his narrative debut as writer-director in A24's upcoming movie, The Inspection, which stars out actor Jeremy Pope (One Night In Miami, Pose).

The trailer released today reveals that the drama is inspired by true events from the filmmaker's life as a closeted gay man in the Marines. The film will premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival at the beginning of September and will close the 60th New York Film Festival in October.

"I'm incredibly humbled that my debut feature film will close the New York Film Festival this year," Bratton said in a statement, according to IndieWire. "So many of my favorite filmmakers have made an impact as a part of this illustrious program. I'm overwhelmed to be a part of it. And as a New Yorker, this is a dream come true."

Scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 18, Emmy and Tony nominee Pope will lead the film's cast as Ellis French, a young Black man who becomes homeless and joins the Marines after his mother (Gabrielle Union) disowns him for being gay.

"My mom... she won't even talk to me. Most of my friends are dead or in jail. If I die in this uniform, I am a hero to somebody," French says in the trailer.

Bratton draws on his own experiences to paint a harrowing portrait of the military during its Don't Ask, Don't Tell era. The strenuous training paired with homophobia and prejudices will be shown in the eyes of a gay man.

French falls for his superior officer (Raul Castillo), IndieWire reports. He also is targeted by a sergeant (Bokeem Woodbine) once he's outed.

However, the biographical drama's synopsis reveals that the movie will take a turn as, "he finds unexpected camaraderie, strength, and support in this new community, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his identity and forever change his life."

Pope and Union will star alongside American Honey's McCaul Lombardi and Only Murders in the Building's Aaron Dominguez. Gamechanger Films and Freedom Principle co-financed the film and worked with its producers Chester Algernal Gordon and Effie Brown.

Check out the trailer for The Inspection below.