Set It Off

Set It Off: A Bold Crime Drama of Friendship, Struggle, and Defiance

Released in 1996, Set It Off is a gripping crime drama directed by F. Gary Gray that blends action, social commentary, and raw emotion into a powerful story of friendship and desperation. The film became notable not only for its thrilling heist sequences but also for its strong focus on four women navigating poverty, systemic injustice, and personal trauma. Starring Jada Pinkett (later Jada Pinkett Smith), Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise, Set It Off challenged the conventions of crime dramas by placing Black women at the center of a narrative typically dominated by men.

The story follows four friends in Los Angeles—Frankie (Vivica A. Fox), Stony (Jada Pinkett), Tisean, known as “T.T.” (Kimberly Elise), and Cleo (Queen Latifah). Each woman faces overwhelming financial and social pressures that push them toward a dangerous path. Frankie, once a bank teller, is unfairly fired after being accused of collaborating in a robbery. Stony, working multiple jobs, becomes disillusioned after a personal tragedy shatters her trust in the system. T.T., a single mother, is desperate to regain custody of her child after being deemed financially unfit to care for him. Cleo, brash and fearless, longs for a life beyond the limitations imposed on her by poverty and prejudice.

As their struggles mount, the four women devise a plan: to rob banks. What begins as an act of survival and rebellion quickly spirals into a series of increasingly risky heists. Their bond as friends deepens through the adrenaline and shared secrecy, but so does the danger they face from law enforcement, the community, and their own inner conflicts.

One of the film’s greatest achievements is its ability to humanize its characters. Rather than portraying the women as hardened criminals, Set It Off explores their vulnerabilities and dreams. Each character’s motivation is deeply personal, allowing audiences to sympathize with their choices even when those choices cross legal boundaries. Stony’s yearning for a better life, T.T.’s maternal instincts, Cleo’s unapologetic boldness, and Frankie’s anger at systemic betrayal all reflect different aspects of a community grappling with limited opportunities.

The performances are a major strength of the film. Jada Pinkett brings emotional depth and strength to Stony, making her the emotional anchor of the group. Queen Latifah shines as Cleo, delivering a charismatic and unapologetic performance that remains iconic, particularly for its unapologetic depiction of a queer Black woman in mainstream cinema. Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise round out the cast with performances that highlight the sacrifices and emotional toll their characters endure. Together, the four women create a believable, poignant bond that drives the narrative.

Visually, Set It Off captures the energy of mid-1990s Los Angeles, from working-class neighborhoods to the tense, adrenaline-fueled environments of the bank robberies. F. Gary Gray balances action and intimacy, ensuring that the audience not only feels the suspense of the heists but also the weight of the women’s emotional journeys. The soundtrack, featuring artists such as En Vogue and Queen Latifah herself, reinforces the cultural and emotional tone of the story.

The film’s climax is both thrilling and heartbreaking, refusing to offer a neatly tied resolution. Instead, it underscores the consequences of desperation and systemic failure, leaving audiences with a mix of admiration for the women’s courage and sorrow for the paths they felt forced to take.

Set It Off endures as a bold and culturally significant film. Beyond its action sequences, it is a story about resilience, the power of female friendship, and the fight against societal structures that limit opportunity. Nearly three decades later, it continues to resonate with audiences for its fearless storytelling and its unflinching look at the intersections of gender, race, and survival.