Andra Day Uncovers a Dark Justice Plot in Buffalo's 'Don’t Go Gentle'

Andra Day will headline the feature film *Don’t Go Gentle*, a new adaptation of Stephen Belber’s play that follows Tanya Jenkins, an Army medic who must fight to clear her name after being convicted of a crime she did not commit.

The story is set in contemporary Buffalo, New York, where Tanya’s pursuit of justice pulls her into the orbit of a retired judge and his family.

Len Cariou joins Day as Lawrence Driver, a former judge whose sense of authority is challenged by Tanya’s determination.

The cast also includes Lonnie Chavis as Rasheed, Tanya’s teenage son; Alexandra Daddario as Amelia, the judge’s architect daughter; Finn Wittrock as Ben, the judge’s troubled son; and Teyonah Parris as Ellen, Tanya’s half‑sister.

Production is handled by Deborah Riley Draper, who writes and directs the film, with Gerard Butler’s G‑BASE banner, Alan Siegel, Dan Kaslow and Crystine Zhang of Oval‑5 producing.

## Background & Context

Deborah Riley Draper brings a reputation for award‑winning documentaries—such as *James Brown: Say It Loud* and *The Legacy of Black Wall Street*—to her first narrative feature.

The film reimagines the play’s themes of place, belonging, and identity, situating them in the lives of a veteran and a dying judge whose families become intertwined.

Draper noted that the film “completely reimagined from the play, but this is still a story about place, belonging and identity.” She explained that Tanya’s journey to vindicate herself leads her to live with the judge’s family, creating a dynamic where each family confronts their sense of home, legacy, and entitlement.

The production team includes executive producers Ashley Thornton Harrison, Tyler Levine, Roxann Thomas Chargois, Heather Cariou and the actors themselves. The movie was filmed in Toronto but is set in Buffalo, underscoring the story’s focus on modern American life and the unique challenges faced by female veterans returning from service.

## What People Are Saying

Day, who earned an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Billie Holiday, described the character of Tanya as “resilient and a healer.” She added, “For her, every new environment and every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and improve conditions for herself, her son and her community.” The role lets Day channel her research into women veterans—particularly African American female veterans—into a compelling narrative.

Draper emphasized that stories about women after military service are “thin on the ground.” She said, “Women veterans in America are one of the most overlooked groups because the military system wasn’t necessarily set up for them.

They come home and often they are poorly served.” By centering Tanya’s story, the film seeks to illuminate these systemic gaps.

The supporting cast also highlighted their roles: Chavis, known from *This Is Us*, plays Rasheed; Parris, of *WandaVision* fame, portrays Ellen; Daddario, a star of *The White Lotus*, plays Amelia; and Wittrock, recognized for *American Horror Story*, takes on Ben.

Each actor brings a nuanced perspective to the interlocking families at the film’s core.

## What Happens Next

*Don’t Go Gentle* remains in production, with no public release date announced. The project is a collaboration among G‑BASE, Oval‑5 and Coffee Bluff Pictures, the Atlanta‑based label of Draper. As the film moves toward completion, details about distribution, premiere venues or theatrical rollout have not yet been disclosed.

Fans of Day’s work and those interested in veteran narratives will likely keep an eye on future announcements for the film’s availability.

The film’s exploration of a veteran’s quest for justice, coupled with its focus on family dynamics and societal belonging, positions it as a timely addition to contemporary cinema. Its completion will bring Deborah Riley Draper’s first narrative feature into the public eye, following her notable documentary career.