REVIEW: Detroit is Frustratingly Fantastic
Kathryn Bigelow’s new film, Detroit is frustratingly fantastic. Detroit is the story of the 1967 Detroit Riots and the terrifying incident at the Algiers Motel. On July 25, 1967 a guest at the hotel (played by Jason Mitchell), shoots a starter pistol at the National Guard located outside the motel. Already on alert due to the riots, the National Guard and local Detroit police officers immediately rush to the site with the impression a sniper is there. Once at the motel, they gather all the occupants and terrorize them in an attempt to make them confess who the shooter was.
Will Poulter and Jack Reynor portray two of the officers who arrive on scene where they encounter a singer named Larry (Algee Smith), and other residents of the building including characters played by Jacob Latimore, Hannah Murray, Kaitlyn Dever and Anthony Mackie. Along for the ride is John Boyega as security guard Melvin Dismukes, who tries to diffuse the tension inside the motel once things begin to get out of hand, and he comes to find it is easier said than done.
Detroit is not an easy film to watch, but it is a necessary film to watch. The horrors in this film are still happening in 2017. This is a physically powerful story that will leave an intense impact, make you feel every emotion, and leave you with too many questions. The questions won’t be missing plot points or issues with character development, but questions related to the incident. Questions that are still unanswered to this day. Bigelow does a nice job sticking to the story she is trying to tell. She wants the audience to feel the emotions those men and women felt during that tragic night.
Poulter’s Officer Krauss was based on multiple officers who were involved in the incident and Will’s performance is stunning. There is absolutely nothing to like about this character and is certainly not an easy person for him to portray, but he does it wonderfully. Boyega’s performance was also great. His portrayal of Dismukes, notably towards the end of the film, is heart breaking. The rest of the cast does a fantastic job, as well, but Boyega and Poulter are the clear standouts.
If you want to see a film that is light-hearted and makes you forget your worries, this film is not for you. However, if you want to see a film that has an amazing cast, is wonderfully shot and will impact you, I suggest seeing Detroit.
Grace: A-