Emancipation horrifies with an unvarnished portrayal of slavery’s barbaric subjugation. Director Antoine Fuqua and Will Smith shine an ugly light on humanity’s worst instincts. They tell the gut-wrenching true story of “Whipped Peter”, an escaped slave whose savagely scarred back was photographed in 1863 during the Civil War. Monochromatic cinematography captures awful cruelty with brilliant artistry. The film is magnificent to see. Unfortunately, a gripping start loses tension in a flawed climax. Peter’s turn as a Union soldier treads into action movie territory. It’s a miscalculation that thankfully doesn’t soften the first act’s blows.
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President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation at the height of the Civil War. Slaves were freed, but this meant nothing to those trapped in the South. Peter (Smith) prays with his wife, Dodienne (Charmaine Bingwa), and their three children on the Lyons plantation in Lousiana. They toil in arduous bondage under an especially wicked master. He remains steadfast in his belief that God will save them.
Peter is ripped from his beloved to support the Confederacy’s war efforts. He’s beaten and taken near the front lines to work on a supply railroad. Decapitated heads on poles greet the new slaves. Peter’s worked like an animal as the Southern soldiers rain abuse. He watches as Fassel (Ben Foster) brands “R” on the face of a caught runaway (Mustafa Shakir).
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Peter overhears the vile Sergeant Howard (Steven Ogg) discussing the Emancipation Proclamation. He’s stunned to learn that the slaves were freed, and the Union army had taken Baton Rouge. A dangerous encounter with Howard gives Peter an opportunity. He flees into the swamp with several other slaves. Fassel’s slave patrol and fierce hounds are hot on their trail. He warns the men they must split up for any chance to survive. Run towards the sounds of cannon fire. Peter resolves to reach Baton Rouge, then somehow return to rescue his family from the plantation.
The Atrocity of Forced Labor
Apple TV+
Emancipation crushes you with sadness and searing anger. Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) depicts the indignities of slave life in excruciating detail. They were beasts of burden under constant threats of violence. Noncompliance meant gruesome punishment or death. Superb camera work documents the atrocity of forced labor. Sweat drips as a dirty, bloodied Peter dumps the body of a man who dies from exertion. These scenes are awful incarnate.
The second act escape through the swamp changes focus. What begins as a realistic fight or flight scenario becomes exaggerated. Peter battles crocodiles, insects, and the elements like an action hero. Fuqua wants to show his indomitable courage and willpower, but it feels overblown. The protagonist has already established strength and fortitude. There’s a point when a filmmaker has to moderate the instinct to do more. Fuqua ramps up every part of the narrative when shades of subtlety were needed.
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The lead performances are captivating but required more depth. Peter’s faith is challenged throughout by everyone around him. How can God allow such pain for his followers? This question is never answered. Peter’s religious fervor is accepted without necessary exposition. Fassel represents the chilling embrace of white supremacy. He waxes poetic on being a god to slaves. They must be in continuous servitude or killed. Otherwise, the white way of life will be threatened. His superiority depends wholly on victimization. Smith and Foster are good here. A bit more background information would have made them great.
Emancipation’s Cinematography Is Breathtaking
Apple TV+
Three-time Oscar winner Robert Richardson(JFK, The Aviator) needs to clear more space on the shelf. Emancipation’s cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. The film gradually increases color tones depending on the point of view. The slavers are always stark black and white. Peter’s perspective drifts into subdued color with every inch of freedom. Masterful is an understatement.
Emancipation isn’t a perfect film, but achieves distinction in multiple aspects. “Whipped Peter” was never taught in my history books. His unjust suffering must be remembered. America cannot gloss over its greatest sin.
Emancipation is a production of Apple Original Films, Overbrook Entertainment, Westbrook Studios, McFarland Entertainment, and Escape Artists. It is currently in limited theatrical release with an Apple TV+ premiere on December 9th.
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