“The Inspection ” debuted at the NYFF, closing off the 60th anniversary of the festival. Festival leaders emphasized that the film was chosen for its remarkable tale from an emerging director—Elegance Bratton.
Bratton is best known for his documentary “Pier Kids” about queer youth in New York City. “The Inspection” is Bratton’s first fiction film, however it is loosely inspired by his own life.
As a teen, Bratton’s mother forced him out of their home after she found out he was queer. He was homeless for over 10 years, before deciding to join the Marines. This is the story we see at the heart of “The Inspection.” Jeremy Pope is Ellis French, a gay Black man hoping to find strength in the Marine’s bootcamp. He’s hoping to win the affection of his religious mother Inez (Gabrielle Union), who resents him because of her beliefs as well.
As the film travels through French’s journey in training, we see how the other recruits treat him. From the moment he steps off the bus at Parris Island, he’s taunted for not appearing masculine and soon they find out he’s queer, and the attacks worsen. At times the film gets violent, both in words and in actions. It’s a true image of the rampant homophobia that still exists in the military.
The main aggressor of the attacks against French is Lt. Leland Laws (Bokeem Woodbine), who argues that his demanding nature will help French be a better soldier. However, he often takes it too far. Woodbine gives a remarkable performance in the film that branched on frightening. I was additionally struck by Raul Castillo’s performance as the benevolent Private Harvey, who becomes an ally to French in boot camp. But this mentorship suddenly becomes complicated fast.
“The Inspection” places relationships at the center of the narrative. Good or bad—French learns something from everyone he encounters in training. From one legacy recruit with a vendetta against him to a Muslim trainee who faces discrimination as well, French is strengthened by his relationships even when they cause him to suffer.
Pope is absolutely perfect as French. The vulnerability behind his performance is vivid in each scene. I couldn’t have imagined another actor in the role. And to see a young. Black,, queer actor in the right role is a testament to the commitment Elegance Bratton has to making queer people visible on screen.
The work of Lachlan Milne is a major force in the film as well. The cinematographer captures the picturesque nature of South Carolina perfectly. The shots of sunrise and green plains were never out of place. The scenes are paired flawlessly with music by Animal Collective.
One line that stuck with me throughout the film was Harvey letting French know that without gay people, there would be no military. And that is arguably one of the biggest takeaways from the film. Queer people deserve to be seen because they are impacting every space and industry we have.
“The Inspection” is one of the most important films of the year.
“The Inspection” will be released by A24 in theaters on November 18.
