Heartbreaking and ultimately depressing

Rating: 8/10 (8 July 2016)

12 YEARS A SLAVE is the third film in a row I've seen by director Steve McQueen with a 'worthy' theme (the first two were HUNGER and SHAME). This is by far his biggest production to date, with an enhanced budget and some of an epic feel to the true-life tale of a 19th century man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Solomon Northrup's life story is harrowing indeed although the only outcome of such a production is for the viewer to feel depressed.
The film is a bit like Tarantino's DJANGO UNCHAINED but without the feel-good escapist stuff. Instead this is a dark movie that just gets darker and darker. It's a very well made production, featuring top-tier acting from a huge cast presided over by the great Chiwetel Ejiofor who I've had my eye on for a long time ever since he impressed me in CHILDREN OF MEN. Michael Fassbender is particularly outstanding as the ruthless slave owner although Benedict Cumberbatch and Brad Pitt also do well with their lesser roles. Most of the disturbing stuff involves newcomer Lupita Nyong'o and very convincing she is too.
The real star of the show is McQueen himself, whose direction is often breathtaking. The cinematography is really exceptional and contrasts the beauty of the natural surroundings with the ugliness of the human activity taking place within them. I liked the way McQueen took time out for some slow, lingering moments which are worthy of Herzog. Personally I'm a fan of escapism myself so this isn't the kind of film I could force myself to sit through again, as important as it is; it's depressing and heartbreaking in equal measure, but a film that everyone should watch once.