[1] Convinced that prescription drugs can cure his mental disorder, a neighborhood eccentric (Gbenga Akinnagbe) ventures out of Brooklyn's housing projects to escape his controlling mother (Alfre Woodard), and to find the one doctor who he believes can treat him.

Colin Covert gave the film a positive review in Newsweek, writing: "Deftly combining melancholy, tragedy and sly humor, the story is engineered so its gripping drama dovetails neatly with the lead's starry-eyed optimism and the likability of sundry supporting characters.

As if juggling chainsaws, Bowman delivers a film that is both troubling and comically upbeat"[3] Julie Walker, writing for The Root, said "Knucklehead packs an emotional punch," and declared that Gbenga Akinnagbe "owns the movie" in his first leading role as the mentally challenged Langston.

[4] John Defore at The Hollywood Reporter praised the cast, also citing Akinnagbe for his "sympathetic performance" in a film "that will attract attention for a brutal turn by Alfre Woodard as his controlling mother."

Justin S. Myrick is called out for his portrayal of Arthur, Langston's young friend with, "a smartass spark that animates scenes and balances the bleak situation at home.