Denzel's directorial debut is a biopic drama movie you've probably never heard of, but it's a must-watch

(Image credit: Alamy) The Tom's Guide Verdict: 'Antwone Fisher'Rating: 3/5 starsVerdict: "Antwone Fisher" is a competent directorial debut for Denzel Washington. It rarely touches on being exceptional, but it feels like a professional crafted this drama. The real reason to watch this biopic, though, is its story. Antwone is just an ordinary kid who's been put through trials and tribulations. There's nothing special about him other than that he managed to survive, and that's what makes it such an emotionally gripping tale.Where to watch: Buy or rent "Antwone Fisher" on Prime Video"Antwone Fisher" holds a special place in the Denzel Watchathon. Unlike the previous 28 films, this is the first one directed by Denzel Washington himself.Not that you'd know it just from watching the movie. And I don't mean that as a knock against this biopic. Far from it. Over the course of two hours, Denzel crafts a well-executed, emotionally engaging drama. It does not feel like a first-timer is in the director's chair on this movie.That's not to say this movie is flawless. For the first 20-30% of the movie, it's unclear why Antwone's story is being told. There's nothing particularly remarkable about him. It's not "Malcolm X," which doesn't need to work hard to convince its viewers that its subject's story is worth telling. We go into that movie knowing who Malcolm is. We don't know who Antwone (Derek Luke) is. Not unless we happened to have already read "Finding Fish," the autobiography this movie is based on.But when we come out the other side of "Antwone Fisher," it's clear why his story was worth being told. This boy suffered through mundane yet unimaginable horrors. He grew up in an American home, which should be a safe space. Yet he endured untold abuses, both physical and sexual. This movie isn't graphic in its depiction of either, but it's not for the faint of heart.If you want to watch this movie before you read on, I'm afraid I have some bad news. "Antwone Fisher" isn't currently streaming on any of the best streaming services or the best free streaming services. Instead, you'll need to buy or rent it from Amazon or the digital storefront of your choice. Malcolm has been with the Streaming team at Tom's Guide since 2023, reviewing dozens of movies each year so you don't have to watch the bad ones. Who is Antwone Fisher?As I mentioned, the average person wouldn't know who Antwone Fisher is going into the movie bearing his name. He didn't create the nuclear bomb. He didn't write a lasting pop music hit. He's just a "normal" person. But even normal people can bear stories worth telling. And once you get under the surface, Fisher's story is a remarkable one to tell.Of course, we have to first get under the surface. And that's where Denzel comes in. He plays Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Jerome Davenport, a psychiatrist to whom Fisher, a U.S. Navy Seaman when we first meet him, has been sent for psychiatric treatment.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Read more Denzel WatchathonIt's at this point that the movie starts to form around two key storylines: Fisher explaining his backstory, and Fisher and Davenport's budding relationship. They progress in tandem; as Fisher opens up, Davenport begins to understand him as a deeply traumatized boy rather than an angry young man, and that causes their ersatz father-son relationship to blossom.At times, it beggars belief that their relationship develops the way it does. For a start, there are certainly ethical questions to be asked about a doctor becoming so emotionally invested in a patient, let alone a superior officer. It's really reminiscent of "Good Will Hunting," and if this wasn't based on a true story, I'd almost question if Fisher and Davenport weren't based on Will Hunting and Dr. Sean Maguire.But with all due respect to the fictional Mr. Hunting, who is, like Fisher, a product of abuse, what Antwone experiences is at another level. I won't expose all the sordid details, but there's a scene in a basement that feels more reminiscent of the "enhanced interrogation" techniques from "The Siege" than any sort of discipline appropriate for a six-year-old.And then, of course, there's the sexual abuse scene. This is somewhat of a revelation in the movie, especially as Fisher has lied to Davenport already about not having a history of sexual assault. As Fisher is just six years old, Denzel obviously can't show the abuse in the same way an edgy filmmaker could with an adult victim. But he still effectively conveys the horror and trauma of the moment.Verdict: Watch this for the incredible story if nothing else Antwone Fisher (2002) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers - YouTube Watch On That's one of the few times where Denzel's directorial instincts really shine. The other (and my personal favorite) is right before the scene begins.The reason the story of sexual abuse even comes up in the first place is that Fisher is in the brig after beating up a shipmate on shore leave in Mexico. The shipmate insinuated that Fisher isn't interested in dancing with women because Fisher is gay. As we go on to learn, that's not the case. Given what we know now, it's no wonder Fisher took a swing.But as Fisher is in the brig with Davenport and starts telling the story, Denzel pulls a clever trick out of his director's bag. The camera stays on Fisher, and the bars of the jail remain. But the background and Davenport fade to black as Fisher dives into his story. It's subtle, but very effective.So if you've never seen this movie before, I do recommend checking it out. You could wait for it to hit a streaming service, but I felt like I got my money's worth from the $3.99 I spent renting it. Don't be afraid to do the same if you need something to watch.Buy or rent "Antwone Fisher" on Prime Video now Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok.More from Tom's Guide'The Odyssey’ is the best movie of 2026 so far — and maybe topples my favorite Christopher Nolan filmApple TV's new crime thriller show features two of my favorite actors but not much elseNearly 25 years later, 'Training Day' remains Denzel Washington's greatest performance ever Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.