Curled up as far back in my seat as I could sit, I watched the movie in front of me. Too upset to watch but too enthralled to look away, my eyes darted back and forth between the screen and the seats in front of me.

The film, “Detroit”, did not contain the typical “scary movie” horror. The real horror came from the truth behind the film. Some events in the movie were dramatized, but many of them were based on fact. Imagining the injustices and violence committed in this movie to have been a reality for so many people is appalling, and one of the reasons why “Detroit” was so challenging to watch.

However unnerving, it was a masterpiece. From the disturbing content to uncontrolled camera angles, every aspect of the movie came together to form a realistic but still emotional movie. Watching the scenes unfold through shaky camera work demonstrated how chaotic the riots really were in a way acting and dialogue couldn’t.

In addition to appreciating the film for its quality, I have a personal connection to it. While the movie was being filmed, my great aunt sent in her father’s footage of the actual 1967 Detroit riots, and some of it ended up being used in the movie. My great aunt received a credit in the movie as well as a list of all the scenes my great-grandfather’s footage was used in.

I kept this in mind while watching the movie. Every time there were clips of the actual riots, I couldn’t help but wonder if my great-grandfather had taken that video. This helps me appreciate the purpose of the movie on a deeper level. Not only was it for entertainment, but to show generations that didn’t live through the riots the mayhem and injustice they brought to our city.

An important aspect of the movie was the balance between the heroes and criminals. The fragile topics of police brutality and racism were confronted and dealt with carefully, but in my opinion, very well. Not all cops were good, and not all rioters were bad. Taking on such a controversial topic in our current political climate could’ve become a disaster, but instead, the movie was a success. This speaks to how dedicated everyone involved in the production was to bringing an unfortunate event to life in an excellent way.

If you haven’t seen the movie “Detroit” yet, count down the days until you can watch it in the comfort of your own home. Don’t worry about being bored or underwhelmed, every second of the movie will have you captivated.