Movie Reviews

‘MLK/FBI’ Review – Outlook Altering and Downright Terrifying

Synopsis:

MLK/FBI is the first film to uncover the extent of the FBI’s surveillance and harassment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on newly discovered and declassified files, utilizing a trove of documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and unsealed by the National Archives, as well as revelatory restored footage, the documentary explores the government’s history of targeting Black activists, and the contested meaning behind some of our most cherished ideals. Featuring interviews with key cultural figures, including former FBI Director James Comey, MLK/FBI tells this astonishing and tragic story with searing relevance to our current moment.

Oftentimes there are many people who tend to conveniently forget, overlook, or ignore the reality of what has actually happened in history. A multitude of things and people that are seen as positive today was vilified in their present and vice versa. However, no matter how many times the truth is shown, some still refuse to accept reality; cognitive dissonance is a terrible monster. Thankfully, documentaries exist and well-made ones can put the whole world in perspective.

MLK/FBI is not only an eye-opening documentary but is a necessary watch. It’s powerful, relevant, outlook altering, and downright terrifying. For me and those like me, a great deal of the information in the doc is already knowledge we possess, but there are some details and revelations that completely shocked me. With the film’s style of actual footage and documentation intertwined with relevant film clips, it’s fantastically layered narration and commentary tells the story in a new way. Therefore, even if you knew everything, it’s presented in such a captivating fashion that it feels like learning it all for the first time. Showing us a version of America that we are not that far removed from, it informs the uninformed about where the seeds of distrust of the government in the Black community comes from. It also unveils the hateful and ignorant side of a subsect of Americans that is sadly still prevalent today. Not only does it expose the evils of the FBI but it reinforces the notion that because of unchecked power, what they did could and probably still is happening as you read this. It’s time to accept an ugly truth, some of which we won’t get until 2027. This documentary is edited and executed exceptionally well, moves at a pleasing pace, and will be a mainstay of reference. MLK/FBI is a must-watch. Its rewatchability is high.

Sam Pollard’s ‘MLK/FBI’. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films Release.

Plot & Pace

After once-classified documents have become declassified, this documentary dives into the surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King Jr. by the FBI. It showcases the reality that existed at the time as well as J. Edgar Hoover’s racist obsession with taking down Black leaders. Leading to an even bigger wedge it eventually drove between the government and its citizens. All culminating in King’s death that could’ve been prevented, unless it was the plan all along.

The doc moves at a hypnotizing pace. It keeps you at the edge of your seat while disgusting you at the same time.

Influence & Impact

This documentary is one that will forever live in my head. It’s a film that will now be a great point of reference and a reminder of what we fight for.

MLK/FBI is now available in theaters and VOD. Stay safe and enjoy.