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In the typical military movie, soldiers are tough and testosterone-fueled—this band of brothers bonded together, fighting for each other through every challenge that their experience may bring. But with The Inspection, writer/director Elegance Bratton offers a different perspective on life in the military.
The Inspection ships off to boot camp in 2005 with Ellis French (Jeremy Pope), a young, gay Black man who’s been rejected by his mother (Gabrielle Union) and is tired of living on the streets. Seeing no other options for his future, he decides to make something of his life by joining the Marines. But boot camp brings more than just the usual physical and mental challenges; it also brings prejudice and abuse from those around him as he fights to prove that he has what it takes to be a Marine.
In telling French’s story, writer/director Elegance Bratton relays his own experiences, telling the story with honesty and sincerity. This isn’t some kind of military fairy tale—the story of a man who shows up at boot camp, fights through the same challenges as everyone else, and finds his life totally changed after he makes it through. It’s the story of a man who’s already seen more suffering than most men his age, who’s already faced so much, and who’s subjected to more discrimination and abuse as a recruit.
While much of what plays out may be familiar, this isn’t just a black-and-white story. It offers different perspectives from different characters. As is often the case in military movies, there are a lot of men here—and it’s not always easy to tell them apart. But some of them stand out, giving viewers different views on the boot camp experience.
Along the way, French finds his allies—from the Muslim recruit who also deals with prejudice to the officer who encourages him to keep going, in spite of his drill sergeant’s constant abuse. He endures the injustice, the beatings, and the humiliation, standing up for himself and others. And, in the process, he gradually earns the respect of the men training alongside him.
The Inspection is a heartbreaking story—but an inspirational one, too. It’s the story of a character who’s determined to change his own life for the better, no matter the obstacles. And though not every change happens as he expected, he comes out of the experience with strength and confidence that he once thought impossible.
The Inspection is now showing in limited markets. Check your local listings to see when it will be available in a theater near you.
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