2/1/18 - Strong Island (2017) - 7/10

Potent and vexing, as painful realities of systemic inequities & social injustices can’t be avoided. There is a personal pain and intensity that the director/subject delivers so courageously. Really settles the film in your chest as it uses her words, tears, intimate details and evolving tragedies to drill deep.

Rarely are there overly flashy or experimental visual elements. The film-making is stylish in its simplicity and utilizes the depth of the pain to resonate on its own without the aid of tricks/props. Conceivably a little more flourish might have propelled it, but it didn’t feel necessary. Perhaps it loses steam as it extends itself over duration, but forever keeps the wrongdoing pertinent and upfront

There is no let up in the dive into these lives, their loss, and lingering effects - decisions of responsibility and the doubts of equality within their beings and worlds. She uses the film to redefine the “facts” and control the destiny of her brother’s story, which engenders as conscientious respect and a compassionate solidarity. Maybe not the most technically refined or pacingly impelled, its impact is still concussive and earnest.