MOVIE REVIEW
The Flats
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 54m
Director(s): Alessandra Celesia
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 CPH:DOX Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Alessandra Celesia's THE FLATS offers a fascinating glimpse into New Lodge (a working-class Catholic community in Belfast,) portraying a community navigating the remnants of the Troubles (a 30-year ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that took place from the late 1960s to 1998) with a blend of raw emotion and narrative depth. Focusing on individuals like Joe McNally, Jolene, and Sean, the documentary exceeds traditional storytelling by merging real-life experiences with reenactments. My first impression? It's an engaging piece that digs deep, although it occasionally skims the surface when you crave a deeper dive.

THE FLATS stands out for its innovative approach to storytelling, marrying the authenticity of documentary footage with the expressive power of dramatization. This technique highlights the community's resilience and vulnerability, mainly through Joe's story and Jolene's transformation from victimhood to empowerment. The film steps into the community's shoes, providing a nuanced look at their struggles and triumphs without oversimplification. Celesia crafts a vivid exploration of a community at a crossroads, struggling with its painful history while striving for a brighter future.

While the film ambitiously tackles a plethora of social issues, from substance abuse to domestic violence, its narrative sometimes feels overstretched. The effort to emulate Joshua Oppenheimer's reenactment strategy as a means of therapeutic storytelling is commendable yet highlights the challenge of navigating such a complex emotional landscape. This ambitious scope, while admirable, occasionally leaves the audience wishing for a more streamlined focus to explore each theme's intricacies.

THE FLATS pacing and narrative cohesion occasionally struggled, with some segments rushing through moments that deserve more attention or leaving promising threads underexplored. This can lead to a somewhat fragmented viewing experience, where the emotional impact sometimes hits its mark. Additionally, the film's careful avoidance of political partiality sometimes waters down its message, sacrificing potential depth for neutrality.

Amidst the myriad of themes it tackles, THE FLATS captures the indomitable spirit of the New Lodge community, showcasing their struggles and moments of joy, solidarity, and resilience. Celesia’s handling of delicate subjects through a lens of empathy and respect shines through, especially in how the documentary celebrates small victories amidst ongoing challenges. In these moments, the film truly excels, offering viewers a multifaceted portrayal that goes beyond mere documentation. Integrating personal stories with broader community narratives creates a story rich with human experience, making THE FLATS a study of a specific time and place and a universal tale of community, identity, and hope. Through its engaging storytelling and compelling characters, the documentary invites audiences to reflect on the power of human connection and the importance of remembering history, not as a burden but as a stepping stone towards understanding and reconciliation.

THE FLATS is a bold exploration of a community's enduring spirit and capacity for healing. It paints a compelling portrait of hope and resilience against historical trauma, making it a notable addition to Celesia's oeuvre. While not without its flaws, the documentary is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, offering insights into the complex process of moving beyond a troubled past. The FLATS is a must-see for those drawn to real stories of perseverance and the human capacity to overcome. Its attempt to capture the essence of Belfast's New Lodge and its inhabitants provides a unique window into the challenges and victories of facing one's history head-on, marking it as a noteworthy cinematic endeavor.

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[photo courtesy of FILMS DE FORCE MAJEURE, THANK YOU & GOOD NIGHT PRODUCTIONS, PLANET KORDA PICTURES, DUMBWORLD PRODUCTIONS]

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