Watch Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine

Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine is a moving documentary that follows the life of Matthew Shepard, a young man who was brutally beaten and left to die in a hate crime in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. Directed by Michele Josue, the film is a touching tribute to Matthew, who became a symbol of hope for the LGBT community after his death. Michele Josue, who was a close friend of Matt Shepard growing up, sets out to capture the essence of his life and the tragic events surrounding his death. The film starts by showing us Matthew as a young boy, growing up in Casper, Wyoming, and follows him through his tumultuous teenage years. We see Matt as a bright, outgoing young man who had a passion for life and a loving heart. As the film progresses, we are introduced to his family, his friends, and even some of the people who were involved in his murder.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way in which it humanizes Matthew Shepard. Instead of being shown as simply a symbol for the gay rights movement, we are given a glimpse into his personal life and the struggles he faced as a gay man living in a conservative town. Through candid interviews with his friends and family, we learn about his love of music, his interest in politics, and his dreams of studying abroad.

The film also explores the events leading up to Matthew’s death in meticulous detail. We see interviews with the two men who were convicted of his murder and learn about the events that took place on the night of October 6th, 1998. Without casting judgment or blame, the film allows viewers to form their own opinions about what happened that night.

Throughout the film, Michele Josue also reflects on her own friendship with Matthew. We see her navigating her grief and the guilt she feels for not being there for him in the final days of his life. Her interviews with Matthew’s family and friends add an extra layer of intimacy to the film, as we see how his death affected not just the LGBT community, but those who knew him personally.

The film is also notable for its soundtrack, which features music from some of Matthew’s favorite artists, as well as an original score by composer Jamie Lawrence. The music adds an emotional depth to the film, underscoring the joy and tragedy of Matthew’s life.

One of the most touching aspects of the film is the way in which it celebrates Matthew’s legacy. Throughout the film, we see the outpouring of love and support that followed his death. From candlelight vigils to student protests, Matthew’s death sparked a national conversation about hate crimes and spurred a movement for gay rights. The film ends with a touching tribute to Matthew, showing how his life and legacy live on today.

Overall, Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine is a powerful and emotional tribute to a young man whose death changed the course of history. By telling Matthew’s story through the eyes of those who knew him best, the film honors his life in a way that is both personal and universal. It is a must-see for anyone interested in LGBT rights, hate crimes, and the power of love and compassion.

Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine is a 2015 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 75.