“Just Mercy ” is a poignant and pensive drama that undresses old wounds in America’s history. “Just Mercy ” is based on Bryan Stevenson’s memoir about his activation work as an unseasoned Harvard lawyer specializing in death-penalty appeals.

The story focused on his representation for Walter, “Johnny D.” McMillian, an Alabama man who was sentenced to die for a murder he was framed by an inherently bigoted system. It wasn’t until an episode of “60 Minutes” caught wildfire depicting McMillian’s blatant innocence until it made anyone look twice at the injustice that had been done. 

 The story tells an eerie tale that wasn’t written in our history books about Civil Rights. While Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan’s performance’s feel familiar, yet timely and urgent for modern day reformation. 

The viewer is at the grips of director and co-writer, Destin Daniel Cretton, as he strangles hope, pride and dignity away from Bryan Stevenson  with consistent normalcy and the commonality of police brutality. Cretton also paints a bone chilling execution that left the entire theatre in Laramie in absolute sobs, an experience I will never forget. 

Foxx gave a once in a lifetime performance with conviction and at times I began to question if his character had just stepped out of a literal time machine.  Because the movie is based in 1987, Jordan’s character feels more current — almost sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the vintage feel of the entire movie in a really successful way, reminding us that our history isn’t from so long ago. 

 The movie is complex and dry and heart wrenching all at the same time. Over the course of two hours and twenty minutes, the viewer gets beaten mentally down so they feel as hopeless as a wrongfully convicted man on death row.

You might not watch this movie more than once a year. But go see it.