NOT so much a day in the life of 22-year-old Oscar Grant III as a day in the death of this California resident.

Ryan Coogler’s directorial debut follows him on the last day of his life, December 31 2008. He was shot dead in the first hours of 2009 by a police office following an incident on his way home by train from New Year celebrations.

The film isn’t about the public outrage that followed the unprovoked shooting but the 24 hours leading to Grant’s death as he attempts to turn his life around.

Michael B Jordan gives an impressively natural performance as we see Grant trying to get his job back, make amends to Sophina (Melonie Diaz), girlfriend and mother of his daughter; and heeding the advice of his mother (Octavia Spencer) not to drive but take the train on his New Year’s Eve night with friends.

Coogler’s film plays Grant’s story for reality rather than trying to turn him into a hero or martyr. His flaws are there for all to see as is the behaviour and confusion that led to the shocking shooting.

The movie has certainly struck a chord with audiences, taking both the grand jury prize and audience award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and best first film at Cannes and the Independent Spirit Awards.