Watch Emanuel

Emanuel is a gripping documentary that recounts the tragic events of June 17, 2015, when a white supremacist gunned down nine people during a bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Directed by Brian Ivie, the film is a moving tribute to the surviving victims and the families of those who perished in the senseless act of violence.

The documentary is centered around the life of Emanuel AME Church and its people, who have been a significant part of the African American community in Charleston for almost two centuries. The church was founded in 1816 by Morris Brown, a former slave, and has played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. The film explores the history of the church and the impact of the Charleston Massacre on its congregation, community, and the wider world.

Through interviews with family members, survivors, and community leaders, the movie provides a raw and emotional insight into the traumatic events of that evening. Footage from news reports, vigils, and court proceedings is effectively integrated, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and connected to the story throughout.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the way it honors the memory of the victims. Each of the nine people killed in the attack is given the recognition they deserve, with family members sharing their stories and memories. Their personalities are brought to life through the use of photographs, videos, and old recordings, highlighting their love of faith, family, and community. The film serves as a reminder that these were real people, with real lives, who were taken too soon.

The aftermath of the shooting is another key focus of the documentary. The film touches on issues such as forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. The victims' families were faced with the difficult decision of whether to forgive the shooter, Dylann Roof, and some of them speak candidly about that process. The film also highlights the strength and resilience of the church and its community, who chose to respond to the tragedy with love and compassion.

One of the standout performances in the documentary comes from Nadine Collier, the daughter of one of the victims. She is a strong and eloquent speaker, and her words are heartfelt and inspiring. She talks about her struggles to forgive the shooter, and her eventual decision to do so, describing forgiveness as a choice to "let go of the hate and choose love." Her resilience in the face of such tragedy is truly remarkable.

Another impactful moment in the film comes during the trial of Dylann Roof. The film shows footage of the victim's family members delivering powerful impact statements, addressing Roof directly and expressing their pain and anger. Their words are both heartbreaking and inspiring, a testament to their unwavering strength and determination.

Overall, Emanuel is a touching and emotional documentary that tells an important story about loss, love, and forgiveness. The film pays tribute to the victims of the tragedy, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of the Charleston community. The documentary is a powerful reminder that in the face of tragedy, love is always stronger than hate.

Emanuel is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 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 66.