CLEMENCY
When death is a part of your daily job, it can be damn depressing. In a powerhouse performance, Alfre Woodard plays a prison warden who must stoically stand there as a person takes their last breath right in front of her. As her 12th execution approaches and her last one not going as planned, Woodard’s Bernadine is physically afflicted and emotionally alone. Surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast, this death-row drama tests her convictions as she reservedly maneuvers through her moral dilemma.
Along with Bernadine’s inner turmoil, director Chinonye Chukwu makes a stirring statement concerning capital punishment and the injustice that’s flooded our institutions. It’s inarguably thought-provoking, but the social issues aren’t framed as substantially as Bernadine’s burden. She’s why this solemn film is quietly riveting as we are challenged to see from an openly distinguishable viewpoint on taking a life.
MINUS ONE
In this homemade high school detective story, a young girl goes missing and her friends are left questioning what happened and where has she gone? Tanner Peterson, the 17 year-old writer/director of the film, and his equally young cast are talented, but the weighty subject matter they’re taking on is too much to handle. Part of it is not their fault as they are too inexperienced to convey the emotional depth needed to tell this story.
Murder, alcoholism, suicide, drunk driving, that’s some dark stuff and it’s clear their amateur approach can’t do any one of these justice, much less all of the above. Then there’s the part of the choppy narrative with scenes that make no sense and disastrous dialogue that easily removes a viewer from the all-around movie experience. All things considered, certain aspects should be applauded. With that said, there’s a variety of mishaps to learn from for next time.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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