KennyLee0128

A strange mix of horror and hope. The evolution of the central character is inspiring. The performances are phenomenal. There are some scenes that could have been directed with more elegance. Lee Daniels is certainly a heavy-handed director who knows no subtlety. But there is conviction in his work. This is a realistic drama about life on the margins of the city and domestic violence. Education as a liberating weapon for a young black woman. A film with a lot of social value.

This is a perfectly crafted social drama. An almost clinical treatment of the death penalty, showing the psychological damage on all those involved, challenging the audience's ability to react and finding empathy on all sides. Excellent management of silences and tension. The performances are incredible. Alfre Woodard does something monumental in the final minutes.

A film that can be enjoyed (and perhaps even admired) despite its various flaws. It can also be a frustrating and chaotic experience, but never completely disastrous. It works on the emotional impact of its subject matter, a knockout that will take you days to recover from. And when everything seems about to fall apart, Andra Day is there to gracefully sustain and elevate the film.