Detroit (2017)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, “Detroit” centers around the real-life events of the 1967 Detroit Riot, particularly focusing on the Algiers Motel incident. Over the course of a single harrowing night, the movie unfolds the story of three African American men who are brutally murdered at the Algiers Motel amidst the chaos of the riots. The narrative provides an unflinching look at systemic racism, police brutality, and the horrific consequences of unchecked power. The tone is intense and heavy, evoking anger, sadness, and frustration, while exploring broader themes of racism, injustice, and social unrest.

Length: 2 Hrs and 23 Min
Genre: Drama, Thriller, History

Trailer

Cast

• John Boyega as Melvin Dismukes: A security guard caught up in the events of the night.
• Will Poulter as Philip Krauss: A fictional composite character of the Detroit police officers involved in the Algiers Motel incident.
• Algee Smith as Larry Reed: A young singer and one of the Algiers Motel victims.
• Jacob Latimore as Fred Temple: A friend of Larry and another victim of the motel incident.
• Anthony Mackie as Greene: A Vietnam War veteran who becomes another victim at the Algiers Motel.

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: R (for strong violence and pervasive language)

The film contains scenes of graphic violence, racially charged language, and intense depictions of police brutality that may be disturbing for some viewers. It’s recommended for mature audiences, and parental discretion is advised for younger viewers considering its intense subject matter.

Trivia

• The movie was filmed in the summer of 2016 in Detroit, Massachusetts, and Hamtramck.
• Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal previously collaborated on the war films “The Hurt Locker” (2008) and “Zero Dark Thirty” (2012).
• Several real-life survivors and witnesses of the Algiers Motel incident were consulted during the production to ensure authenticity and accuracy.
• While John Boyega’s character Melvin Dismukes is based on a real person, Will Poulter’s character Philip Krauss is a composite of multiple police officers involved in the incident.

Our Review

“Detroit” is a hard-hitting, visceral experience that seeks to shed light on one of the darkest chapters in America’s civil rights history. Kathryn Bigelow masterfully crafts the narrative, blending fact with fiction, to drive home the horrors of racial prejudice and unchecked authority. With performances that pierce through the screen, particularly from John Boyega and Will Poulter, the film forces audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and their ramifications on the present. While some may argue that the intensity can sometimes border on gratuitous, it is precisely this rawness that makes “Detroit” an unforgettable watch. It’s a stark reminder of the change that’s still required in society, serving not just as a recounting of history, but as a clarion call for justice and equality.