RITA RECOMMENDS

‘Just Mercy’ sheds light on death penalty Rita Albert • Editor-in-Chief

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead

Red and blue strobes of light flash through the windshield over Walter McMillian’s face of fear and disbelief. The police know he did not do it, but that does not matter to them. They need someone to blame, and he is a black man from a poor community whom no one would question; he is an easy target.

Adapted from the true story immortalized in a novel, “Just Mercy” highlights the injustice that black men in Alabama faced in the late 1980’s. Released on Christmas Day 2019, this film has accumulated about $45 million in the world box office to date, according to the-numbers.com. It has been nominated for awards such as Top Ten Films from the African-American Film Critics Association and a screen actors Guild Award.

Just watching the trailer sent chills through my body, giving a glimpse of the raw emotion that is displayed throughout the film as characters come to grips with the harsh struggle of social injustice.

Lawyer Bryan Stevenson, played by Michael B. Jordan, interned in Alabama on death row law cases and met an incarcerated man with an upbringing similar to his. This motivates him to open a free law clinic in a state where racism is prevalent, putting himself in potential danger.

Later, he meets Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx, and has to work to earn his trust. Stevenson convinces McMillian to allow him to serve as his attorney. After meeting his family and demonstrating his sincerity. There are highs and lows throughout the film with revealing interrogations, important discoveries, shocking events and frustrating court scenes as Stevenson fights for justice for the unjust conviction of McMillian.

Events throughout the film shed light on police brutality and racism towards black men and corruption within the justice system. For example, when Stevenson first goes to meet his clients at the prison, the white security guard uses

racial intimidation tactics to force Stevenson into a strip search. Another example is when Stevenson’s partner at the clinic, Eva, played by Brie Larson, has her family threatened because she is working with Stevenson and “stirring the pot” with McMillian’s case.

Thinking about this abuse of power and racial profiling was frustrating because it is still a prevalent issue. The film showcases racism that affects the lives of millions of people around the world. It depicts realistic events that are brutal and difficult to watch. One scene where McMillian’s friend, a man who should have been in a hospital and not on death row, was put in the electric chair. As the electricity shocked his body, the loud and sudden noise echoed through the theater. This scene stunned me into instant tears, and that was not the sole occurrence while watching this film.

The acting and casting were phenomenal. The actors were immersed in their characters and skillfully displayed raw, moving emotions that express the message of the film. Photos of the real characters flashed onto the screen with the true story at the end of the film. The resemblance between the cast members and the real people was uncanny.

This film was so convincing that it even shifted my opinion on the death penalty. After seeing how many undeserving people are executed on death row, I could not imagine continuing to implement the death penalty in our country, especially because of unfair, wrongful conviction and racial profiling. As Catholics, we believe in a culture of life and respect the dignity of all people. I feel like I better understand this now.

Films like this are important to spread awareness on situations such as McMillian’s and to show the abhorrent practice of racism. Rush into theaters before it’s gone, or check Redbox if you’re too late— this film is not one you want to miss.