‘Emergency’ Helmer Carey Williams on Riding Comedy-Drama Line and Exploring Black Masculinity

Carey Williams (“R#J”) hits Sundance with “Emergency,” the feature he and screenwriter Kd Dávila developed from their darkly comic short, also titled “Emergency.”The film follows straight-a student Kunle (Donald Elise Watkins) and his best friend Sean (R.J. Cyler) as they set to have an epic night of partying, with the goal of being the first Black students to complete their school’s legendary fraternity party tour. But when they discover a white girl passed out in their living room, their plans change: What happens if they call 911? Will they be believed? Arrested? Should they leave her on the sidewalks? Take her to the hospital?For young Black me in America, these are tough scenarios. Williams balances the comedy and drama on a fine point in the film that raises a lot of questions, and is also filled with great performances. Williams spoke with Variety about the film. ...