‘ONEFOUR: Against All Odds’ Netflix Review - Highlights the Resilience of the Human Spirit

ONEFOUR: Against All Odds is a 2023 Australian documentary film directed by Gabriel Gasparinatos. The film follows the rise of the drill rap group ONEFOUR, who came to prominence in 2019 with their hit song "Ride." However, their success was short-lived, as they were soon targeted by the police, who claimed that their music was inciting violence.

The film begins with ONEFOUR's meteoric rise to fame. Their music, which was inspired by their own experiences growing up in poverty and violence, resonated with young people across Australia. However, their success also attracted the attention of the police, who began targeting them with raids, arrests, and other forms of harassment.

Despite the police's efforts to silence them, ONEFOUR refused to back down. They continued to make music and perform, using their platform to speak out against injustice and inequality. The film documents their struggles and triumphs, as well as the impact their music has had on their community.

ONEFOUR: Against All Odds is a powerful and moving film. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to bring about change. The film is also a scathing indictment of the Australian police's systemic targeting of young people of color.

The documentary also showcases the talent and charisma of ONEFOUR, who are not only skilled rappers but also charismatic personalities. They are honest, humorous, emotional, and relatable. They share their stories with candor and vulnerability, revealing their hopes, fears, regrets, and ambitions. They also demonstrate their passion and dedication to their music, which is evident in their catchy hooks, clever wordplay, and powerful delivery.

One of the things that makes the film so powerful is its intimacy. Gasparinatos was given unprecedented access to ONEFOUR, and the film captures the group's bond with each other and their community. The film also does a great job of showcasing ONEFOUR's talent and artistry. Their music is raw, emotional, and powerful.

One of the biggest criticisms is that it does not do enough to explore the police's side of the story. The film features interviews with several police officers, but they are all defensive and dismissive of ONEFOUR's claims of harassment. It would have been interesting to hear more from the police about their motivations and the evidence they have to support their claims.

The film can be a bit repetitive at times. The same themes of police harassment and systemic racism are explored repeatedly. While these are important themes, it would have been nice to see the film explore other aspects of ONEFOUR's story in more depth.

The film does a great job of highlighting the hypocrisy of the police. They claim that ONEFOUR's music is inciting violence, yet they are the ones who are using violence and intimidation against the group.

The film also shows the importance of community support. ONEFOUR have been able to withstand the police's harassment because they have the support of their fans and their community.
The film is a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social change. ONEFOUR are using their music to speak out against injustice and inequality, and they are inspiring others to do the same.

ONEFOUR: Against All Odds is a must-watch documentary for anyone who is interested in drill music or Australian hip-hop culture. It is an inspiring and entertaining story of how a group of underdogs defied the odds and made history with their music.

Final Score – [6.5/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal