Featuring two very strong performances and a good ensemble cast is not enough to save this very downbeat and unpleasant affair. Mean people being mean to each other just isn’t very entertaining.
As story that could have been done so wrong, but is done just right by the fantastic Steve McQueen. Never goes over the top and is as close to perfection you’ll see all year. Go see it.
Quite simply one of the most captivating, brutal and heart-breaking films you are likely to see this year, 12 Years a Slave is an absolute must.