‘Just Mercy’ tells a powerful true story

Posted on January 31, 2020

By MARK VIOLA

The death penalty is a controversial subject, but whether you are opposed or in favor of the practice, “Just Mercy” is a film worth watching.

One of the last 2019 movies to receive a nationwide release, the film tells the true story of attorney Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan, “Creed”) and his attempt to free Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx, “Django Unchained”) from death row.

Jordan and Foxx deliver phenomenal performances, capturing the passion and heartbreak of their characters. Bryan is young and idealistic, while Walter, betrayed by the system, is angry and has lost hope. Foxx picked up a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination but missed out on an Oscar nod.

The film is directed and co-written by Destin Daniel Cretton (“The Glass Castle”), who ensures his message gets across loud and clear without falling into preaching.

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