The film is lyrical, melancholic and visceral. Juxtaposing the beauty of the landscape, the quite fortitude of the human spirit, and the perverse day-to-day nature of slavery. The story is a much more subtle and complex portrayal of life as a slave than has gone before but no less brutal. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup anchors and guides the film, his dialogue is poignant but even more so his silence, his unspoken suffering and struggle, his rebellions, evoke a stark realism. The rest of the cast is superb with notable performances by Michael Fassbender as tortured torturer Epps and a stunning film debut from Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey. There are a significant amount of star cameo's what some may term "stunt casting" but these actors simply build out the film and provide depth, they are not distractions.
The score is a potent mingling of ominous modern interstitials intercut with spirituals sung on screen. It evokes dread and resilience simultaneously. A delicate weaving of long shots, close ups, and scenery bring the physical and emotional environment to life. The film seamlessly flows together, takes you on a journey, but so many elements harmonize in order to do so.
The story is important, the performances powerful, but what makes 12 Years A Slave a great movie is the authenticity it awakens, its attention to detail, to subtlety. Throughout the film the actors are noticeably sweating, their physical exertion is plain. The film is filled with small moments and surprises that it would only spoil to describe.
The story of one man illuminates the story of many. The singular scope of the film sheds light on the suffering of generations yet ends with hope.
Don't Miss It.
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