Steering Baltimore Toward Hope and Healing

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Body Politic
–

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023, 2024
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough
Where To Watch: in select theaters now, and available November 25, 2024, exclusively on POV on PBS, streaming simultaneously in the U.S. on all PBS-branded Apps

RAVING REVIEW: Navigating through Baltimore’s political and social challenges labyrinth, THE BODY POLITIC paints a vivid picture of a city under siege by violent crime and the innovative mayor at its helm. As the youngest mayor in the city’s history, Brandon Scott (who won the primary and will likely be reelected in November) steps into his role; he faces not just the systemic issues of the town but the towering expectation of altering them. Directed with a critical yet empathetic eye by Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough, the documentary meshes the gritty reality of governance with the personal resolve of its central figure.

The documentary kicks off with a jarring figure: 348 homicides in one year alone. This number, though stark, catalyzes Mayor Scott’s driven crusade against violence. His methods break from the traditional mold, focusing on community engagement and preventative strategies rather than the heavy-handed policing of previous administrations. This approach brings a refreshing depth to the story, showcasing a leader looking to build solutions from the ground up.

THE BODY POLITIC delves into Scott’s motivations, shaped by his exposure to violence at a young age. These experiences are not just backstory; they are the driving force behind his every decision, lending a personal stake to his political maneuvers. One of the film’s more poignant moments comes as Scott removes a racially charged painting from City Hall, symbolizing his commitment to moving the city forward from its divisive past.

Throughout the film, director Goodenough captures the tug-of-war between Scott’s progressive initiatives and the barriers he faces. The Safe Streets program and the Group Violence Reduction Strategy are met with resistance from various quarters, including hardened political foes, state leadership, and critical media, illustrating Scott’s uphill battle. The narrative winds through these challenges with the help of Ericka Bridgeford, an activist whose own losses to violence bring a raw, emotional layer to the struggle for change.

Beyond mere policy discussion, THE BODY POLITIC studies leadership under pressure. The cinematography, a collaborative effort between Goodenough and John Benam, thrusts viewers into Baltimore’s ground-level struggles. Their camera work gives us a front-row seat in the unfolding drama, capturing the high stakes and frantic pace at which Scott operates.

As the documentary draws to a close, it expands its focus from the immediate effects of Scott’s policies to their potential to inspire other cities grappling with similar issues. It positions Scott’s tenure as a blueprint for urban reform, advocating for a mix of committed leadership and grassroots collaboration as a formula for broader societal recovery.

THE BODY POLITIC is as much a narrative of one man’s relentless pursuit of change as it is a broader commentary on the capacity for transformation in the face of daunting odds. It’s an essential viewing for those invested in the future of urban policy and community revitalization, offering a story of challenges and change and a roadmap for civic engagement and leadership resilience. This film is a rallying cry for all who believe in the power of determined leadership to forge a path through adversity—a cinematic call to action that resonates far beyond Baltimore’s borders.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of 8 ABOVE, PBS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.