Celebrated painter Titus Kaphar lays down a gauntlet pretty early in his writing and directing debut, “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival Saturday. André Holland plays Tarrell Rodin, a celebrated artist whose work looks just like Titus Kaphar’s (because Kaphar provided the paintings). He dismisses a recent critical rave because, positivity be damned, the critic didn’t understand what they were talking about. To Tarrell, it doesn’t matter what a critic likes if they don’t like it the right way.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is an impressive first feature, boldly conceived and emotionally fraught, with masterful performances and powerful works of art woven into the narrative.