Uncompromising yet extremely powerful, Steve McQueen’s latest achievement is formidable entertainment. Scott Gentry reviews “12 Years A Slave”.

“12 Years A Slave” (15)
Director: Steve McQueen.
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o.
Rated: 15 for containing, strong violence, injury detail, sex, nudity and racist terms.
Running time: 134 minutes.
Out now in UK cinemas.

“12 Years a Slave” reveals the disconsolate tale of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man from the year 1841, who was deceived, kidnapped and sold into slavery. 

Steve McQueen is particularly well known for creating works of fragility, including his last two pieces “Shame” and “Hunger”, which are both of an extremely high standard. Now having completed his third feature length film, Steve McQueen has decided to tackle a delicate subject, which requires the utmost respect; and received it. The film is at times extremely brutal, but delivers a completely honest insight into slavery and the effects it had on our society.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor in "12 Years A Slave". 

Placed in development for quite some time, it wasn’t until 2011 that Steve McQueen finally announced his next film would be “12 Years a Slave”, after the success of “Shame”.  Originally, the screenwriter John Ridley was reluctant to join the film until his wife recommended that he read Solomon Northup’s book. Soon afterward, John began to collaborate with McQueen and the rest (as they say), is history. 


Dealing with something so disturbing, needs a cast which can become the characters they are meant to be portraying, no matter how cruel. Chiwetel Ejiofor is a revelation in the role of Solomon, previously only portraying supporting characters in many of his roles including his performance in the stunning film, “Children of Men” (a film by Alfonso Cuaron) alongside Clive Owen. Finally receiving the lead role he was born to play, Chiwetel is not only convincing, but unbelievable as he physically degrades himself, by acting in many uncomfortable scenes; including a scenario where Solomon is strung up by his neck for a large amount of time. 

Chiwetel Ejiofor in "12 Years A Slave".

The film’s supporting cast also includes Michael Fassbender, who plays a barbarous slave owner named Edwin Epps, whose uncontrollable hate leads to many vivid scenes of violence upon his slaves. Perhaps the actress given the most amount of attention during the current awards season is Lupita Nyong'o (Lupita only formerly acted in a short film named “East River”), with her interesting interpretation of Patsy (an abused slave) which is exemplary. It is only fair to also mention that Paul Dano and Benedict Cumberbatch both act vigorously in their roles. 


Other details of the film are designed to perfection, including the costumes, sets and the aspects of slavery. Composed by Hanz Zimmer (and including work from John Legend and Alicia Keys) the “12 Years a Slave” soundtrack is powerful, but unfortunately not Zimmer’s best work. 

Verdict
A genuine classic that may appal some viewers, or teach others of a time when it was perfectly acceptable to exploit ethnic minorities. A requisite piece of cinema. 

10 stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.