Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave (adapted from the autobiography of the film’s protagonist)  is a brutal, unrelenting view into slavery. It’s not a film for the fair-hearted, and at times it becomes immensely difficult to watch. By far, it is the most accurate and best film ever made about slavery.

In 12 Years a Slave, Solomon Northrup is a free man living with his family in New York as a violinist and carpenter until one day, he is offered a job playing violin with a traveling circus. The invitation turns out as a ruse to have him sold into slavery. The rest of the film presents Northrup’s horrifying experiences as a slave on two different plantations in the 1840s and 50s. Through unflinching representation of the brutal suffering of slavery, the film inspires awe and shock in the audience.

What really brought the movie alive was the phenomenal acting. Ejiofor Chiwetel plays his role as the film’s protagonist, Solomon Northup, unbelievably well. When Solomon is freed from slavery and returns to his family to realize his children have grown from young and immature into adults without him being there, Chiwetal genuinely appears to feel the loss of what he has missed.  Ejiofor’s acting is the most authentic I’ve ever seen in a film.

Not all of the film’s incredible acting can be credited to Ejiofor, however, as Michael Fassbender also delivers a near unrivaled performance as the cruel and sadistic slave owner, Edwin Epps. Epps at first seems like your typical Disney villain; however, Fassbender manages to turn him into something far, far worse while still exhibiting essential “human” qualities. Fassbender incredibly portrays his character as a loose cannon; his behavior undergoes an emotional rollercoaster in a matter of seconds. All of the roles are played excellently and never feel “fake.”

The film’s score is presented by Hans Zimmer, and while it feels exaggerated sometimes, it generally blends in well, instilling a strong atmosphere for most of the film. The harsh, repetitive beat of the soundtrack gives off an uncomfortable yet powerful mood to accompany the struggles portrayed on screen.

Due to the film’s incredibly disturbing content (shocking enough to send several people out of one showing within the first half hour), you should only view it if you feel mature enough to witness the trials  the film portrays. Viewers who have only seen trailers may be surprised at how powerful the film actually is. Producers have mentioned it being difficult to market a film with such graphic and disturbing content.

12 Years a Slave reminds viewers that we must confront this dark period in our history. It is an important film that everyone should see.

 (Image Source: Foxsearchlight.com)