At too many points, the script from Kay Oyegun (adapting the novel by Angie Thomas) is uneven: Some story beats move too fast, while others pass too slowly, and there are narrative holes. Still, even with its flaws, On the Come Up — like 2018’s The Hate U Give — offers Black teen girls a voice in cinema that they have rarely had before. Lathan mines that gold, making her debut shine.

Ronda Racha Penrice

TheWrap

Jamila C. Gray lends credibility to Brianna Jackson, who happens to be searching for just that. She plays the damn role.

Josh Wise

Slant Magazine

Lathan, who has had a long and fruitful career as an actress in TV shows like “The Affair,” does well in her first go as a director. She has just enough visual flair so as to not overwhelm the rich characters and vibrant place.

Johnny Oleksinski

New York Post