MOVIE REVIEW
Separated
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Errol Morris
Where To Watch: premieres on MSNBC on December 7, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the illuminating glow of Errol Morris’ directorial feature, SEPARATED takes us deep into the murky waters of U.S. immigration policies, focusing on the issue of family separations. Through a blend of hard-hitting interviews and poignant reenactments, the film explores the dire consequences of these policies on the lives of affected families, laying bare the emotional and psychological tolls extracted by such stringent measures.

Right from the outset, SEPARATED sets the stage with a compelling historical montage that aligns past U.S. presidential stances on immigration, stretching from Clinton to Obama, with the Trump administration’s notorious "zero tolerance" approach. This contextualizes the narrative and underscores the policy's evolution as an intensification of long-standing government practices rather than an aberration. 

At the heart of SEPARATED are powerful, candid interviews. This brings a striking intimacy to the discussions and connects viewers directly with the critical figures embroiled in the saga of the separation policy. Noteworthy are the contributions from Scott Lloyd and Commander Jonathan White, who offer insider perspectives on the administrative and ethical battlegrounds of implementing and contesting these harsh governmental directives.

Amid the stark discussions and analysis, Morris mixes in dramatized sequences that trace a Guatemalan mother and son’s fraught journey to the U.S. border. These segments humanize the abstract statistics of immigration debates, providing a visceral representation of the trials faced by countless families. However, these dramatizations also stir a critical dialogue about their role in a narrative otherwise anchored in factual rigor.

SEPARATED doesn’t shy away from confronting the aftermath of the separation policy, delving into the ongoing challenges of reuniting families, and addressing the profound traumas inflicted on the children caught in the policy’s wake. Despite the cessation of the policy following extensive legal wrangling and public outcry, the documentary highlights the disturbing reality that many children remain disconnected from their parents, emphasizing the enduring scars left by the policy.

Broadening its scope beyond the critique of a single administration’s actions, SEPARATED tackles systemic flaws within U.S. immigration policy, prompting a reflection on the broader human costs of such measures and advocating for a thorough reevaluation of policy frameworks to ensure they uphold the dignity and rights of individuals.

SEPARATED not only chronicles the stringent measures of the U.S. government's family separation policy but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for comprehensive immigration reform. Morris' directorial approach amplifies the voices of those most affected, weaving a narrative that transcends mere statistics to spotlight real human suffering. As it pushes viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about governmental policies, the documentary advocates for a reevaluation of immigration practices that should prioritize compassion and justice, ensuring the integrity and humanity of all individuals are preserved. This compelling blend of journalistic and narrative depth makes SEPARATED a pivotal piece in the discourse on human rights and policy reform in America.

SEPARATED marries meticulous investigative journalism with emotionally charged storytelling, delivering a narrative as enlightening as it is stirring. While its use of dramatizations may be controversial, the film’s central message about the traumatic impact of the U.S. government's family separation policy rings clear and urgent. As debates over immigration continue to evolve, Morris’s documentary stands as a crucial beacon, reminding us of the imperative to craft humane and just policies.

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[photo courtesy of MSNBC FILMS, SUBMARINE DELUXE, NBC NEWS STUDIOS, PARTICIPANT, FOURTH FLOOR, MOXIE PICTURES]

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