Watch 12 Days

12 Days is a gripping and emotional documentary that takes us inside the French legal system and provides an intimate look at the process of determining legal capacity for mental health patients. The film is directed by renowned French filmmaker Raymond Depardon and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. The documentary follows the stories of several individuals who have been involuntarily hospitalized due to severe mental illness. Under French law, individuals may be hospitalized against their will if they pose a threat to themselves or others. However, this detention must be reviewed by a judge within 12 days to determine if it should continue or if the individual can be released. If the individual is found to lack legal capacity and unable to make decisions for themselves, their detention can be extended.

Over the course of the film, we observe the proceedings of these hearings as the judges, doctors, lawyers, and family members debate the patient's mental health, legal capacity, and the appropriate course of treatment. We witness the patients themselves speak on their own behalf, sharing their hopes, fears, and struggles with mental illness.

The film is shot in a simple and unobtrusive style, with long takes and static shots that allow the intensity and intimacy of the proceedings to take center stage. The film's pacing is deliberate and slow, allowing us ample time to sit with the patients and experience their emotional journeys.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the range of experiences and perspectives it presents. We see patients who are resistant to treatment, patients who are eager to be released, and patients who are too ill to communicate at all. We also see the perspectives of doctors, lawyers, and family members who all have different ideas about what is best for the patient.

Ultimately, the film raises profound questions about the nature of mental illness and the appropriate role of the legal system in addressing it. How do we balance the need for personal freedom with the need for safety and care? How do we determine legal capacity for individuals who are struggling with mental illness? And what kind of society do we want to create for those who struggle with mental illness?

While the film is undoubtedly difficult to watch at times, it is also deeply moving and illuminating. By taking us inside the French legal system and providing a window into the lives of those who struggle with mental illness, it challenges us to think critically about the way we treat this often stigmatized and marginalized population.

In the end, 12 Days is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those living with mental illness.

12 Days is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 81.