The Uncompromising Nature Of 13TH Is A Key Facet Of Its Effectiveness

One of the key components of art even existing in the first place is for it to help us grapple with universal problems in any given society. Sometimes art engages with said issues in a more stylized manner, other times it manages to confront pervasive problems in a more naturalistic method. Documentaries tend to fall into that second classification, allowing filmmakers and audiences alike a chance to interact with actual people and locations that relate to pressing matters. That certainly seems like an apt way to sum up 13TH, a new documentary from director Ava DuVernay (now streaming on Netflix) that thoroughly investigates systemic racism in modern-day American society.

Editorial: Internet, Why Ya Gotta Be So Rude? Don't You Know Movies Have Feelings Too?

Not every site that features film news and opinion pieces on the internet is bad, but several have recently fallen victim to hyperbole overload. One of my favorite sites, The Dissolve ran an article last month about Paramount announcing several new sequels. Matt Singer, who wrote the article, was more even-handed than most, but every other outlet reporting it acted like the cinematic apocalypse had come. Paramount only makes sequels now until the end of time!! HELP US ALL!!