Test Pattern

Friday, March 12 - Thursday, March 18, 2021

Part psychological horror, part realist drama, this exhilarating debut feature from Shatara Michelle Ford is set against the backdrop of national discussions around inequitable health care and policing, the #metoo movement, and race in America. TEST PATTERN follows an interracial couple whose relationship is put to the test after a Black woman is sexually assaulted and her white boyfriend drives her from hospital to hospital in search of a rape kit. Their story reveals the systemic injustices and social conditioning women face when navigating sex and consent within the American patriarchy. Winner of top prizes at the BlackStar and New Orleans Film Festivals, this gripping social thriller offers a unique exploration of institutional racism and sexism from a Black woman’s point of view.

All screenings of TEST PATTERN feature an exclusive video introduction from filmmaker Shantara Michelle Ford, recorded to welcome back audiences to IFC Center for our reopening.


  • Country USA
  • Year 2021
  • Running Time 82 minutes
  • Distributor Kino Lorber
  • Director Shantara Michelle Ford
  • Writer Shantara Michelle Ford
  • Cast Brittany S. Hall, Will Brill, Gail Bean, Drew Fuller

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.