‘The Inspection’ Film Review

Temple of Geek was invited to a special screening of The Inspection on November 13th at The London West Hollywood. After the film, we mingled with some of the cast and crew, who were all truly incredible. Not only was the film incredible, but it was also incredible to engage with the cast as they shook hands, held eye contact, and truly connected with each and every person that went up to talk to them. 

The Inspection

The Inspection tells the story of a young black, gay man in the mid 2000s who joined the military in attempts to make something of himself. Set almost entirely in boot camp, the film was paced so well that it almost felt too short. The entire audience was so invested in this story that you could feel the emotions in the room so much that they were almost tangible. 

Elegance Bratton (writer/director), and Jeremy Pope (Ellis French) both did such a phenomenal job of taking the audience on Ellis’ journey. Ellis goes on this trip of self discovery through boot camp, as did we. By the end of the film, everyone felt different. Elegance said that his hope for the film was that by the end of The Inspection, everyone would know that they are enough. Ellis found himself and discovered that he was worthy, that he was enough, and that he had something to offer the world, even if his mother couldn’t see that. 

 

The interactions between Ellis and his mother were heartbreaking and so filled with longing and love. Watching their relationship brought up a lot of emotions. In talking with some other audience members after the screening, people seemed impacted by seeing the mother-son relationship unfold. Many of us have complicated relationships with our parents, and those parts of the movie really seemed to hit home. 

Overall, films like this are what are going to change the scope of cinema. Marvel and DC have overtaken the market, and as good and fun as those movies are, films like The Inspection are what art is about. It was truly incredible, and overall, it was a fun and wonderful experience. 

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