Harrowing

Rating: 8/10 (8 May 2018)

Race tensions are running high in 1967 Detroit with the National Guard joining city and state police in trying to quell riots and looting. The sound of shots result in the police bursting into the Algiers Motel, killing one man, and subjecting a group of others (including two white girls) to an ordeal including constant imminent fear of death. Most are beaten, one of the girls is stripped, and two more men are killed. In the aftermath, three police (and an innocent black security guard) are tried for murder.
Katherine Bigelow has made a dense, gripping and eye-opening drama from a an incident which actually happened, but where the details are dependent on trial transcripts and recollections. What we see on screen is representational rather than literal. This dilutes the dramatic impact a little, since you can't be confident that this is actually what happened. It does seem likely, though.
It is harrowing stuff thanks to Bigelow's direction, a fine script (Mark Boal), and superb performances from all concerned, but especially young British actor Will Poulter as out-of-control cop Krauss. This young man has got better and better in everything I've seen him in, and this film must surely see him nominated for an Oscar.
This is neither a short (143 minutes) nor an easy watch, but it is a film I'm glad I saw.