Civil rights in a time of illiberal justice....

Rating: 7/10 (17 September 2017)

It's quite common for a film to be released just as the political environment fits its underlying story. Just as the recent far-right marches have gathered attention in the US, this film highlights a racially toned note of the abuse of power.
Based on a true story, we have here one night in Detroit when riots are underway and the army and police are out in force. A laddish prank leads to a unit of militant and aggressive white policemen doling out their brand of abusive 'justice' to a group of young black men and their two white lady companions in a hotel.
It's an uncomfortable watch. Filmed mostly in a hand-held and documentary style (without any amateurism) we feel like one of the bodies on the ground as we watch the policemen way overstep their line, and sadly there is no hero to fly in to save anyone.
The story is an indictment of the US justice system at the time, and covers many different aspects, however there are too many underlying themes that are best left for a more appropriate forum.
If there is a criticism, and it's fair to raise the point, then it is that the film is very partisan. Going by the high level notes, we can't disagree but rights & wrongs will have been done on both sides, but that does not in any way condone the actions of the policemen in this story.
We have a myriad of characters, with Will Poulter at the lead policemen in the unit standing out as the racist, angry and brutal aggressor. The whole set of supporting actors perfectly fits this harrowing story.
I'd recommend this, when it comes to award time this will stand out for various reasons. Should hopefully help to ignite some good discussions too.