The Inspection

Story: Ellis French, a young Black man who identifies as gay, is struggling to make ends meet and facing a bleak future. Seeking direction, he enlists in the Marines, only to face a deeply prejudiced system. Despite this, Ellis remains determined and refuses to be broken by the obstacles he encounters.

Review: Loosely drawing from director Elegance Bratton's own experience as a gay man who joined the Marines after the tragic events of 9/11, "The Inspection" tells a powerful story of human strength and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. With a gay protagonist at its forefront, the film delves into the intense training that a group of young men undergo at a Marine boot camp. While "The Inspection" is often restrained and subtle, it is precisely this quality that makes the film so impactful, leaving an impression on those who watch it.

The story commences in 2005, centering around Ellis French, a gay African American man. At the age of 25, Ellis had already been living independently for some time, having become estranged from his mother due to her religious beliefs that did not accept his sexuality. After struggling to succeed in various endeavours and finding himself on the brink of drug addiction and loneliness, Ellis decides to enlist in the Marines and enrolls in a boot camp. It is there that he comes face to face with the harsh reality of the outside world - a world that is both unforgiving and merciless, particularly towards those who are homosexual.

Jeremy Pope's portrayal of Ellis French in "The Inspection" is truly remarkable, as he appears in almost every frame of the film and delivers a powerful performance that captures the character's compassionate nature and his desire for his mother's approval. It's a challenging role, as Ellis struggles to balance his conflicting emotions and exhibit traditional notions of masculinity, but Pope rises to the occasion and excels in the role. Gabrielle Union delivers a compelling performance as the mother, portraying her bitterness and regret with conviction. Bokeem Woodbine, in the role of the intimidating authority figure at the boot camp, is also impressive, evoking fear and trepidation among the recruits with his bullying tactics and willingness to go to any lengths to achieve his goals.

Comparisons to "Moonlight" and "Full Metal Jacket" are inevitable when watching Elegance Bratton's debut film, though it fails to reach the same level of mastery. Nevertheless, Bratton's direction hits all the right notes, and it's hard to believe that this is the work of a first-time filmmaker. Bratton's personal experience undergoing the same challenges depicted in the film undoubtedly aided in his ability to capture the subject matter with such skill. The film's tone is both savage and elegiac, with Animal Collective's music providing a counterpoint to the brutal scenes depicted on screen. At its core, "The Inspection" tells a story of an individual overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve his goals. What sets this film apart, however, is its muted and thoughtful approach, which ultimately proves to be a significant strength.