Attica (2021)

Before watching this film, I only had a basic knowledge of Attica as being the location of one of the largest prison riots in American history. Though a bit light on the events that led up to the 1971 riot, the majority of this documentary, using interviews from Attica prisoners and family members of some of the guards, fills in a whole lot of the previously unknown details: the major players in the events, what was going on in the prison during the riot, and the negotiations that were meant to end the uprising. The final moments turn all that on its head as the decision is made to throw away negotiating and instead retake the prison by any means necessary, no matter the cost to prisoners and hostages alike. The footage of the overtaking and the retaliation that occurred in the days following the riot is brutal, almost as harrowing as any of the Holocaust films I’ve recently watched. It’s an unforgettable if incredibly difficult watch.

Oscar Nomination: Best Documentary Feature