After a two year hiatus, we are back at the Toronto International Film Festival, and without any avail, the slate of films at the 2022 fest are as boundary pushing and boundless as ever.
Yet, as the perimeters of films are pushed each and every year, it seems that the most simple stories and the truest narratives to the heart are the ones that hit closest to him, and that can absolutely be said with our opening night film of the festival, The Inspection. A gut wrenchingly honest account of homosexuality set in the very hyper-masculine world of the United States Military, The Inspection is a daring and compassionate look at the formative years of identity for a gay black man in full company of Uncle Sam and all of his cliched tropes. If anyone in the world ever wondered what a film would look like, if you blended Full Metal Jacket and Moonlight together, The Inspection would surely be the answer.
Taking many cues from the Award Winning Best picture of 2016 Moonlight, The Inspection follows the very simple life of Ellis French (Jeremy Pope), a young twenty-five year old African-American male who decides to enlist in the US Military, specifically into the Marine Core, to make something of his life and give himself a purpose he has never felt. In and out of shelters and after experiencing almost a decade of homelessness after his mother Inez (Gabrielle Union) abandons him after learning of his true sexuality, Ellis must navigate through the brutal world of a very homophobic 2005 New Jersey as well as a very racist, rigid and fearful America post 9/11.
Once enlisted, French does his best to blend in and hide his sexuality, without much success, after the true colours of his personality begin to make surprise appearances, at the worst possible times, which leads to a very gruelling and challenging time in the core. Yet, as his adversaries slowly become his comrades, French finds solace and the true layers of himself within the very weary and challenging identity hurdles within the training, that pushes not only his physical limits, but also, gives him much hope for the emotional and mental agility he has faced and come to embrace in his short time enlisted.
Lead by an all-star cast of supporting characters, The Inspection is the true-life story of writer/director Elegance Bratton’s life. But, in true A24 fashion, the studio that can do no wrong, as oppose to taking the life away from their artists, The Inspection allows its artists to shine, without much sparkle or spectacle, but rather with heart, love and grit. What makes The Inspection such a success is its ability to be so raw, real and gritty and showcasing the grind and hurt with such an unglamorous lens, that Bratton’s truly personal journey of self-discovery and identity becomes a story of admiration and success. By credits end, the story of Bratton’s struggles becomes an intimate and emotional journey for the viewers as much as it was for the filmmaker.
Taking on the daunting task of portraying French is the incredible and awe-inspiring Jermey Pope, an actor who’s theatre background truly helps the incredible minimalist production of the film to focus on the acting, subtle narrative, character nuances as well as fluid direction of Bratton’s coming of age tale.
Standing next in line with Pope is the overly under-looked and undervalued Raul Castro, who plays a helpful and understanding General, who’s watchful eye on Pope’s character allows hope for our character in the military as well within the real world itself.
Yet, as incredible as each actor is in The Inspection, the true heart and soul of the film itself, is its personifying villain in French’s mother Inez. Union gives the performance of a lifetime, embodying a generational figure that embodies a culture that is the US military, a nationwide perspective of homophobia and of course, a mother’s confused love for a child and a disillusioned idea of motherhood. Union embodies her social, personal and Hollywood persona and everything she stands and believes it and puts it all on the line for a role that may truly define the future of her acting career.
The Inspection is a detailed reporting of so much talent, brought into one film; from its acting, confident direction and stiff yet soulful writing, what made this movie so emotional for myself, was the reception it received as well as the reason why it was made. Just like any child who feel any neglect of love from any one of their parents, the movie was a testament to the true nature and belief that no matter what you set your mind to, anything and everything is possible, if you believe in yourself, your art and your craft.
The Inspection was a movie made by a man, who’s hardships, disbeliefs in himself and struggles have allowed him to create a piece of art, that proves capability, ability and most of all courage overcomes all adversity. In the end, The Inspection is a film made by a man, who, despite everything, is looking for the love, approval and unconditional support of a mother who has defined him, solely on his sexuality. The Inspection gives you immense hope in yourself and the capabilities of each and every human being who watches it.
The Inspection is a winner and a true testament to the many struggles we as a people, as a community and as passionate film-lovers have faced over the last two years. This movie is not only a film but a movement of hope for so many people, and all the struggles people who watch it may embody. Inspect oneself and find that inner fighter to believe in yourself and all that you are capable of.
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