12 Years a Slave

This is as much a history lesson as it is an elevated cinematic achievement. Hans Zimmer’s touching score blends in seamlessly with the high-profile cinematography of Sean Bobbitt. Bobbitt’s prosperous partnership with McQueen has worked miracles for both talents. If you’re familiar with McQueen’s previous films, you’ll know that this will be a hard to watch film. Hunger and Shame pack enough gut-wrenching scenes to make any viewer uncomfortable. This epic tale is no exception.

The viewer is subjected to lashings, hangings, and rape. But the scenes that really stand out are the heartfelt ones that show a glimpse of hope for our main character. I don’t know why, but scenes where I see the genuine goodness in humanity have always moved me much deeper than scenes that were meant to be sad. 

We are constantly told that we live in a brutal sad world, but where there is evil, there is good. Foul beings walk amongst common folk, but every once in a while you bump into an angelic person who restores hope in humanity. I stumble upon this film with restored faith that everyone who sees it will be good. Let it be strong reminder that cruelty still exists in this world, and that good always prevails.