Review of Detroit (2017) by Scott W — 11 Nov 2017

DETROIT IS PERHAPS the boldest title for writing-directing duo Mark Boal and Kathryn Bigelow's latest, re-enacting the true history of one of the darkest chapters in American history - the summer riots of 1967 in Detroit, Michigan. When forty-three people were killed, 1,200 were injured, 7,000 were arrested, 2,000 buildings were torched after a police raid on an unsuspecting African-American group which then broke out in a five-day civil rights war and it became the biggest race riot in modern history, as Motor City was left in a smoking husk. Sure, Zero Dark Thirty was intense but this is perhaps Bigelow's most gripping film to date depicting real images of torture and a brutal re-enactment of the famous Algiers Motel war, in compelling form.

Over the last few years Bigelow has proved that she is the master director behind time bomb cinema from action, Point Break to its tick-tocking rhythm with Strange Days and The Hurt Locker. This kind of filmmaking proves to be no stranger here as her latest erupts from the opening reel. After a timely scattering of news archive footage, you're plunged into a fiery recreation of history. As the city's people congregate in the dark streets, anger ensues as objects are thrown, gun shots are heard and a volcano of smoke flying into the air. Bigelow effectively introduces her different perspectives; firstly there's Will Poulter's introduction shot and chase at a rioter, secondly Larry (Algee Smith) the lead singer of a Motown group, third is Greene (Anthony Mackie) a Vietnam War veteran and lastly there's John Boyega's young convenience store guard Melvin Dismukes.

The riot is into its third day when these perspectives converge in the Algiers Motel - used as a refugee camp for those who want to get away from the burning streets, perhaps in a hideous twist of irony, becoming the dark backdrop of the brewing massacre about to erupt. There are bullets coming through the walls, in an attempt for the police to track down a sniper. The motel is raided - violence, terrorisation and torture initiate as people are tied against the wall in a vicious interrogation section led by Krauss who does anything to get information from the guests in the motel.

Graphically recreated in real-time it's an hour-long section which you will remember for days, perhaps weeks or maybe decades it's enough to make you shudder. Bigelow's directing isn't exactly easy on the eyes either, it's sometimes gruelling as men and women are tortured for information, they're beaten and constantly threatened by the police in the building, it's nightmarish too, the deafening gun shots are enough to haunt you. However it's always on edge, always moving and a gripping almost real-life re-enactment of modern history. This is closest to the horror of Near Dark, were as that's fantasy the horror of Detroit has a sickening flash of reality. Backed up by Boal's tremendously researched screenplay it pulls all punches. Filled with brutal, yet stunning imagery of events gone by, deafening shouting from the police which fills the entire bleak atmosphere of the motel and phenomenal performance as all players are on top form. As the night of torture erupts around the building - its Bigelow's casting of Poulter that shines here, he's unflinching, unhinged, and unchained as you wouldn't expect beneath his baby faced demeanour is something vicious, yet in every moment he's fantastic.

After this gruelling, yet breathtaking center-piece the film sighs for a breath of fresh air when the third act rolls in. As the city-wide riot comes to a hasty close there are many court cases involving the police, news stories and a chance to re-build the burning city skyline. Inevitably, this falls short of perfection, granted it's a well-made section filled with Boal's exceptional writing, flawless performances, and Bigelow's incredible hand in direction but it's often left gasping for air. Still, this is an utterly compelling riot epic that's always moving and will effortlessly stay with you well after the credits end.

VERDICT Gruelling, nightmarish, yet always an utterly compelling and moving riot epic thriller one that expertly and unflinchingly recreates one of the darkest chapters in American history.