Watch The First Step

The First Step is a documentary film released in 2021 that explores the journey of criminal justice reform in the United States. This groundbreaking film is directed by Brandon Kramer and produced by the First Step Act advocacy organization. It stars Karen Bass, Cory Booker, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, three instrumental figures in the passing of the First Step Act in 2018.

The First Step Act is a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that aims to reduce recidivism, improve prison conditions, and provide early release opportunities for nonviolent offenders. The bill was passed with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate, and it was signed into law by President Donald Trump in December of 2018. The film takes a deep dive into the complex legislative process that led to the passage of this landmark bill.

The film begins by outlining the harsh realities of the American criminal justice system. Mass incarceration has been an issue in the United States for decades, with over two million people currently incarcerated in the country. The film highlights the racial disparities in the system, with Black Americans being disproportionately affected by harsh sentencing laws and police brutality. The film makes it clear that the need for criminal justice reform is urgent and pressing.

The First Step introduces us to Karen Bass, a Democratic congresswoman from California who was instrumental in drafting and passing the bill. Bass brings a unique perspective to the issue of criminal justice reform, having worked as a physician's assistant before entering politics. Her experiences seeing the disproportionate impact of incarceration on low-income communities of color inspired her to become an advocate for reform.

The film also features commentary from Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, another key player in the passing of the First Step Act. Booker has long been a champion of criminal justice reform, and his personal experiences growing up in a low-income community have given him a deep understanding of the issues facing marginalized communities in the United States. He worked tirelessly to build support for the bill in the Senate, working across the aisle to secure its passage.

Bonnie Watson Coleman, a congresswoman from New Jersey, also plays a key role in the film. Watson Coleman has a personal connection to the issue of criminal justice reform, having seen firsthand the impact of harsh sentencing laws on her son, who was once incarcerated. Her advocacy for reform is driven by a desire to prevent other families from experiencing the pain and trauma that her family went through.

The film also includes interviews with people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system, including formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. These powerful testimonies serve as a reminder of the human toll of mass incarceration and the urgent need for reform.

Overall, The First Step is a thought-provoking and inspiring documentary that sheds light on the process of criminal justice reform in the United States. Through the stories of Karen Bass, Cory Booker, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and others, it shows that change is possible, even in a deeply divided political climate. The film is a powerful call to action for viewers to get involved in the fight for a more just and equitable criminal justice system.

The First Step is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.8 and a MetaScore of 64.