Watch Destined

Destined is a 2016 independent drama film that follows the story of a young man named Sheed, played by both Cory Hardrict and Jesse Metcalfe, living in Chicago's South Side. Split into two parallel storylines, the movie explores how the different life choices we make can lead us down two vastly different paths. The first storyline shows Sheed as a teenager. He's a bright, ambitious and driven student who has big plans for the future. He's working hard to get into college and escape the poverty that surrounds him. However, his dreams are jeopardized when he's caught selling drugs to make ends meet for his family. This decision leads to a series of events that eventually land him in jail. While there, he meets a mentor named Rasheed, played by Hill Harper, who helps him to see that his life is still full of possibilities.

In the second storyline, Sheed is an adult and has become a successful architect living in a high-rise apartment in the city. He's a family man and has a loving wife, played by Zulay Henao, and a young daughter who he adores. He's reached the pinnacle of success in his professional life, but he's unfulfilled and struggles with the memory of his past. As the movie progresses, he's forced to confront that past and the choices he made, leading to a surprising and dramatic conclusion.

Throughout the movie, we see how Sheed's life is shaped by the environment he grew up in, and the people around him. We see how his relationships with his family, friends and mentors come to define who he is, and how his choices can have far-reaching consequences.

In both storylines, the acting is impressive; Cory Hardrict and Jesse Metcalfe give standout performances as the two versions of Sheed, showcasing the range of their talent. Hill Harper is also excellent as Sheed's mentor, and Margot Bingham plays a pivotal role as a pop star in the second story, showcasing her impressive vocal skills along with her acting.

The movie also features strong direction, with Qasim Basir skillfully weaving the two storylines together to create a thought-provoking and moving narrative. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the beauty and grittiness of Chicago and the stark contrast between the city's wealthier and poorer areas.

Destined is a complex, multilayered movie that explores themes of fate, destiny, and ambition. It's a powerful story that shows how our lives are shaped by the choices we make, but also by the circumstances we're born into. It's a movie that will make you think and engage with the characters, and stay with you long after the credits roll.