The Inspection

A24 | Release Date: November 18, 2022

7.0	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Ratings

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TVJerryDec 10, 2022

This is the first feature from Elegance Bratton, based on his own experience. When his mother kicked him out for being gay at 16, he spent 10 years homeless before joining the Marines. Most of the movie takes place at the boot camp, whereThis is the first feature from Elegance Bratton, based on his own experience. When his mother kicked him out for being gay at 16, he spent 10 years homeless before joining the Marines. Most of the movie takes place at the boot camp, where he's continually harassed by other recruits and the officers. This is a small indie that's focused on the people instead of big production values, which is fortunate because the performances are outstanding. Jeremy Pope as the recruit, Gabrielle Union as his mother and Bokeem Woodbine as the drill sergeant are all overflowing with a range of emotions and deep feelings. Additional supporting roles expand the diverse experiences in several directions. There have certainly been other stories of gay men overcoming obstacles, but the fact that this one is true and he's Black adds additional resonance.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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bertobellamyJun 14, 2023

In this drama about homophobia within the U.S. Army, Jeremy Pope shines as a black gay man facing contempt from the institution and his mother, who disowns him because of who he is. His acting is raw; you can feel frustration and lonelinessIn this drama about homophobia within the U.S. Army, Jeremy Pope shines as a black gay man facing contempt from the institution and his mother, who disowns him because of who he is. His acting is raw; you can feel frustration and loneliness in his stare. Animal Collective's score is also a highlight; it defies genre conventions with some unusual yet compelling tunes. The problem with 'The Inspection' is its last act, which gives the impression that enduring abuse will have the reward of acceptance in the end. Also, there's a slight military propaganda feeling in it; it may be involuntary, but the position in which we find the protagonist before the credits roll sure contributes to this thought.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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moviemitch96Dec 1, 2022

A young gay African-American man (Jeremy Pope) who has been all but cast aside by his homophobic mother (Gabrielle Union) hopes to prove his worth to her by enlisting in the Marine Corp and enduring several weeks of boot camp in a system thatA young gay African-American man (Jeremy Pope) who has been all but cast aside by his homophobic mother (Gabrielle Union) hopes to prove his worth to her by enlisting in the Marine Corp and enduring several weeks of boot camp in a system that threatens to break someone like him. Written and directed by Elegance Bratton, this film serves as a semi-autobiographical recounting of his time spent in the Marine Corp circa 2005, a time when homophobia was arguably at one of its highest peak moments. I could clearly feel his own personal struggles whilst watching this film and the experiences he must have went through. And although it's meaningfully told, it still can't help but feel a little cliched at times, especially with the drill instructors (Bokeem Woodbine in particular) feeling like cardboard cutout insert antagonists with several of their scenes and dialogue, along with a rather anticlimatic-feeling final act that left me wanting a little more. On the flipside however, Pope's incredible lead performance is, more often than not, enough to carry the film quite nicely, and Union as his cold, distant mother even turns in a raw supporting performance. Overall, while it's well made and well intended, storywise it comes up a little short due to falling for a couple of narrative cliche traps here and there, along with a handful of stereotypical characters to boot.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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katezoeJun 26, 2023

Written and directed by Elegance Bratton, and based on his own experience, a tough film on being Gay and homophobia in Black America and the Marine Corp. Jeremy Pope gives a wonderful performance.

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