As expected, this was a difficult documentary to watch. The story was primarily told via vertical cell phone footage directly captured by inmates of the Alabama prisons, and it was amazing how quickly the blurry imagery naturally gave way from “cinematography” to realism. Specifically, the film focused on a handful of prisoners and the immediate impact of their mistreatment. Broadly, though, it was about the widespread systemic racism and classism in the prison system where powerless human beings are kept in inhuman conditions. Likening the captivity to slavery—forced labor, little to no chance to graduate—made the message that much more effective. Importantly, the film did not give time to anyone with the concept that these people somehow deserve what they are going through beyond a couple arrogant radio hosts, nor does it blatantly politicize the outcome beyond the usual, which is to say financial gain. Doing so would have only made it divisive, and this shouldn’t be. Human beings throughout the nation (as the documentary reminds us this is not limited to one state or one region) are being denied human rights. It’s impossible to talk about this as a work of art. It’s a well-made documentary, sure. But the value, of course, is in the meaning, and hopefully some actual difference can be made because of it.
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