12 Years A Slave

The film is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man in New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. It is a tragic, compelling and epic tale full of injustice and heartbreak. you're in for two hours with Solomon on his journey and you won't be able to look away, even when you want to.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor

The film is definite Oscar bait but rightly so. The cast is full of big names that we all know and love, Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch play two of Solomon's 'Masters' - and yes, their names definitely drove me to the theatre. The first reason is because they are two of the best actors gracing our screens today and the second is because I am madly in love with both of them. 

All joking aside, the performances are fully lived. At no point is anyone 'acting'. Fassbender is barely recognizable as an alcoholic-perverted plantation owner and he pulls off being a cruel master but also registering some pity from the audience.

The women in this film definitely shine, Adepero Oduye plays Eliza, a mother who is torn from her children. and sold into slavery She brought me to tears with her mourning. Who really brought the film together was Patsey, played by Lupita Nyong'o. She was the Ophelia of the film: born into a hard life, the star cotton-picker and cursed with the infatuation of her master and the hate of his wife. 

And I have not forgotten Chiwetel Ejiofor, the leading man. He was incredible. The film was an epic on the human condition, and watching Solomon go from a free man to an oppressed slave fighting to see his family again was inspiring and heart breaking. 

I really have no complaints about this film, the pacing is wonderful. There are moments when McQueen decides to focus on silence and he knows when to focus not on dialogue. There is a scene where Solomon begins to sing with the slaves and it is most powerful.

The film is beautifully shot by Sean Bobbitt, someone who has worked with McQueen on Shame and Hunger. I remember his work from "The Place Beyond the Pines" and he really knows how to capture emotion into beautiful cinematography. Combine the imagery with Hans Zimmer's score and fall under the spell of this film.

To end, "12 Years A Slave" is a film, not a movie. I believe it will be a classic that will continue to teach us about humanity's cruelty for years to come. This is a must-see. Follow Solomon's journey and see how in the worst moments of despair hope will continue to rise and fight.