By Jack Lumsden

Monroe county courthouse. UGArdener, OpenVerse.

Just Mercy, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is a compelling film that tells the story of Bryan Stevenson, a dedicated young lawyer fighting against wrongful convictions. Based on true events, the film dives deep into the American justice system, highlighting its flaws and biases, particularly against African American communities. Key themes include the battle against racial injustice and the examination of how socioeconomic factors influence legal outcomes. 

The film uses symbols such as prison bars and inmate uniforms to emphasize the central theme of justice and freedom. These symbols appear frequently throughout the film, particularly at pivotal moments to highlight the ongoing lack of justice that the characters face. This film critiques the bias against race and socioeconomic status by depicting how these factors play a significant role in legal proceedings. It portrays a legal system that is often biased against people who lack the financial status to fight back, giving a commentary on the inequalities within American government. 

Destin Daniel Cretton utilizes visual cues such as camera angles, shot composition, and lighting to convey deeper meanings and enhance the storytelling. For instance, close ups are used to capture the intense emotions of the characters, while long shots often place them within their environment, highlighting their isolation or fellowship with the community. The lighting in the film is noticeably dim in the prison scenes, casting shadows that symbolize the overshadowing of hope and dignity. Regarding gender roles, the film portrays its female characters, like Eva, as resilient and empathetic. These characters defy the traditional expectations of their roles by being actively involved in legal justice efforts, showing a progressive stance on gender roles during the time the film depicts. 

The intention in creating Just Mercy was to highlight systemic issues in the American justice system, particularly focusing on racial and economic biases. By highlighting these issues, the film connects to broader cultural conversations about race, ethnicity, and gender. It encourages audiences to reflect on how these factors relate with societal and legal outcomes. Compared to other movies of this genre, Just Mercy stands out by not only portraying a true story, but also pushing viewers to think about the systemic challenges and advocate for justice and equality. 

Just Mercy is more than just a film. It is a commentary that challenges viewers to consider the realities of injustice and the importance of compassion and advocacy. This film encourages a deeper understanding and discussion of the critical issues it presents, making it an important piece of cinema in the context of social justice. 

Just Mercy. (R). dir. Destin Daniel Cretton (2019); 136mins.