12 Years a Slave Review

Before watching this film I had heard many good things about it, with this in mind I gave 12 Years a Slave a watch recently and was not left disappointed. Directed by Steve McQueen (Hunger and Shame) the film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti. The film is an emotional story of slavery in America during the 1800's and addresses family, injustice and racism.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Ford

The plot follows Soloman Northrup (Ejiofor) a freedman from New York state who is kidnapped and forced into slavery in the Deep South. The script is partly based on the real-life memoir of Soloman Northrup, and never fails to keep its audience captivated. The film is well crafted, beautifully shot and contains some fantastic acting. Special mention has to go to Ejiofor as he brings raw human empathy to the role and genuine emotion. Fassbender too is a great highlight as the highly racist and cruel Edwin Epps. The story follows Northrup as he tries to reunite with his family, a story that's been told many times before and yet McQueen manages to make it deeply resounding and a triumphant film.

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Soloman Northrup

One of the themes that runs throughout the movie is the question of survival. Ejiofor's character meets two fellow slaves early on with contrasting opinions, one who argues that they must fight for their freedom and the other who argues that they should keep their heads down. This internal struggle can be seen in Northrup throughout the film as well as other characters as he moves systematically through many emotions: from hope instilled by one master Ford (Cumberbatch) to despair when he is forced into Epp's service. The film never shies away from the brutality of the era, showing some truly horrifying treatment to Northrup and his fellow slaves both mentally and physically.

There are very few problems with the film. I thought more time could have been spent with the conclusion of the story, without spoiling anything, the ending is fairly abrupt. The film is very authentic and may feel like hard going to some audience members, however, for the most part the film is well paced and thought out.

Overall, I highly recommend this film not only as a film about slavery but about great narrative, fine acting and a story of reunion and finding oneself.