The Trail As a Metaphor for Equality

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Black Outside
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Gary Wilkerson, Jr., Mary Jeanes
Where To Watch: will debut on digital and VOD on September 3, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: From a young age, Gary Wilkerson, Jr. was told that specific adventures in the great outdoors were "for White people." This limiting belief, deeply rooted in a history of racial exclusion from natural spaces, sparked a defiant ambition in him. Gary challenged these antiquated barriers by setting his sights on the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail, a demanding route stretching 2,653 miles from the southern U.S. border to Canada, demanded a six-month commitment of intense physical and emotional dedication from him.

BLACK OUTSIDE captures Gary's rigorous journey through this expansive wilderness. Alongside his “ride-or-die,” Mary Jeanes, Gary’s experience transcends a simple trek and evolves into an odyssey of introspection and personal evolution. Throughout his expedition, Gary confronts and rises above the fears shaped by society's perceived limits despite his initial lack of extensive outdoor experience. This hike isn’t just about physical endurance and overcoming the psychological barriers that have historically deterred Black individuals from such adventures.

Directed by Wilkerson, Jr., and Jeanes and produced by Whitney Clinkscales and Brian A. Loschiavo, BLACK OUTSIDE offers a detailed portrayal of Gary’s physical and emotional landscape as he traverses the trail. The film captures a series of transformative moments—from initial uncertainties to the extremes of determination, illustrating a nuanced narrative of resilience against formidable odds.

The camaraderie developed with other hikers along the way is particularly memorable, contrasting with the isolation often felt due to such an arduous journey. These interactions, forged in the crucible of nature’s heart, underscore a shared spirit of endurance that cuts across racial and cultural divides.

BLACK OUTSIDE addresses significant societal challenges and confronts the entrenched stereotypes that have long kept people of color from fully engaging with the outdoors. The film invites its audience to rethink the in-depth narratives about who belongs in these spaces, advocating for a more inclusive vision of outdoor adventures.

As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Gary’s journey symbolizes a broader struggle against constraints that marginalize communities. The documentary provokes a critical discussion about the accessibility of natural spaces for everyone, challenging the barriers people of color face in these environments. BLACK OUTSIDE calls for a cultural shift—reimagining who is seen as an outdoor enthusiast and dismantling the old norms that define these activities.

Ultimately, BLACK OUTSIDE is a rousing celebration of human determination and spirit. It’s an inspirational saga that compels us all to venture beyond our comfort zones and assert our place in the natural world. Gary Wilkerson, Jr.'s story serves as a potent reminder of the power of confronting and surmounting fears, and it underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in all facets of life, including the exploration of nature.

The film champions the transformative power of the natural world and stresses the importance of making such spaces accessible and inviting to all. It is a moving narrative about personal discovery through adversity and the inherent right of all to explore and delight in the world’s natural wonders.

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[photo courtesy of SHOUT FACTORY, SHOUT! STUDIOS]

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