Review of 12 Years a Slave (2013) by James W — 18 Jun 2014

Although I think Steve McQueen's previous film "Shame" is his finest work, 12 Years A Slave is a masterful piece of filmmaking, he is one of the best director's around today and his firm direction assures this movie stays harrowing, compelling and truly horrifying throughout. When free man Solomon Northup is wrongly captured and forced into slavery, stripped of his dignity and will, his prolonged nightmare of pain, agony and a bleak future can be overcome by the power to survive from within.

This is the type of film that you feel the urge to look away, yet at the same time can't look away as the power on screen is so compelling. The camerawork is beautiful, instead of heavy dialogue driven scenes, Steven McQueen uses lengthy close ups to capture raw emotion from the cast, and also places stunning vistas of Louisiana against the backdrop of slaves in pain. The craft is undeniably strong, as well as McQueen's brilliance in the director's chair it's the story and cast performances that truly shine. Chjwetel Ejofor is perfect, he looks terrified, in pain and fearful, I simply cannot fault anyone in this movie. Lupita N'yongo too, she is incredible, speechless is how I felt when watching her whimper at the lashings of ruthless plantation owner Epps, brought to life by Michael Fassbender who has never been more terrifying.

This whole movie has Oscar written all over it, awards worthy from top to bottom. It's lavishly designed from sets to costumes, beautifully scored and impeccably written with astonishing performances. The ending is one I didn't see coming, out of nowhere hope comes to save Solomon, I'm glad it finished with a more upbeat and rewarding end for this character. This is simply unmissable, the reviews and awards say it all, 12 Years A Slave is essential cinema.