137 Shots review: An emotional documentary revealing the horrifying reality of American racism

4/5

Story:

The Netflix documentary 137 shots delves deep into the 2012 police chase and shooting of the black Americans Timothy Russel and Malissa Williams in Cleveland city, US. Along with covering the trial of the officer Michael Brelo, it also has the accounts of protests, interviews of the victims’ family, and other shooting incidents including that of the 12-year-old Tamir Rice.

Review:

The decades-old racial disparity in America has certainly caused trauma to the civilians. When the brutality of police has ended up in taking numerous black lives, the black parents are sceptical if they should teach their children to be careful about getting shot anytime in the country.

Helmed by Cleveland native Michael Milano, Netflix documentary 137 shots takes us through the brutal night of November 29, 2012, when Timothy and Malissa were chased in their car and fired 137 times. Though the incident is already known to the world, the documentary has succeeded in chronicling the same in a curious yet disturbing way. What exactly happened to the victims and how their skin colour weighed more than anything they were accused of during the night, is something the world should recall. The documentary has gained points in that regard, and has given a strong invocation into the incident.

It has chosen a very straightforward narration, which includes original footage, unseen audio clips, and interviews of family members, which is sure to make anyone empathise with them. Ranging from the dashboard camera footage to the helicopter footage tracking the chase, the documentary has stitched many raw elements together, which gives a tint of bravery to the whole thing. Including officer Michael Brelo’s original statement, it also has the commentaries from some key players of the incident, which adds interesting sparks to the film. The documentary is a reminder of the recent past events of Cleveland, the city that could probably top in terms of racial discrimination in the US.

From the chase to the protests to the trial of Brelo, the documentary covers everything. Officer Brelo has been accused of committing the most violent act during the shooting, reported to have fired 49 bullets out of 137. The world has never forgotten Brelo who jumped onto the car’s hood and shot at the victims, barbarically. The show has taken a very serious and intense treatment on the trial of the officer and the following protests. 

The accounts of the victims’ family members could be considered as the element which makes the documentary an emotional ride. The gravity of the incident and the already existing racial trauma, are clearly evident as we get past each scene of the account. 

Meanwhile, the documentary also tells stories of other police brutality incidents including that of Tamir Rice parallely. The 12-year-old black boy who was shot dead by the police, has been also reminded in an unsettling manner, which is sure to make our hearts ache.

Even though there are no extraordinary revelations or twists, the documentary offers a deep narrative of the real incidents that American people of colour are subjected to. 

Verdict:

The straightforward account of the incident gives authenticity to the documentary. At the same time, it has also managed to give an emotional experience, taking us through the trauma of the victims’ families. 137 Shots should be streamed without a miss for a much-needed reality check.