By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Andrew Jarecki | Charlotte Kaufman
Year: 2025
Running time: 117
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35307139/
Garrett says: “THE ALABAMA SOLUTION is the latest production from Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman of Capturing The Friedmans and The Jinx. In it, the story of a poor family’s struggle for truth and justice after their son’s brutal prison murder at the hands of guads is weaved together with smuggled cell phone footage to paint a deeply disturbing portrait of Alabama’s dysfunctional and depraved state prison system. Shot over the course of four years, Jarecki and Kaufman paint a picture of one of southern America’s good ol boy patronage backwaters where consequences do not apply to those with total power. The gross abuses and lack of accountability recorded in this film will shock even the most jaded viewer. Five cats but not something I want to watch again.”
Aaron says: “I agree with you Garrett, this is potent stuff! And a bracing reminder that films about prison aren’t all about the power of education and second chances. THE ALABAMA SOLUTION takes us far away from father-daughter dances (DAUGHTERES) and theater as therapy (SING SINGg) in this despairing and urgent doc. 4 cats.”