Watch The Work

The Work is a powerful and intense documentary from 2017 that takes its audience inside the walls of Folsom State Prison, California. The documentary is directed by Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous and features an incredible ensemble of characters, both inmates and outsiders who participate in the Inside Circle, a four-day group therapy program that takes place inside the prison.

The documentary follows three outsider men who volunteer to participate in the program alongside the prison inmates. The outsiders are looking for a life-changing experience and the chance to work on their personal issues and traumas. The inmates, who have been living behind bars for years, are looking for a way to heal and grow beyond their violent and criminal pasts.

At the beginning of the program, the atmosphere is tense and the two groups are distant and wary of each other. But as the days go by, the walls between them slowly start to break down, revealing common human experiences and emotions that connect them all. The program consists of group therapy sessions that are raw, emotional and honest. The men participate in a range of exercises and discussions that encourage them to reflect on their past traumas, their relationships with others, and their hopes for the future.

As the documentary progresses, we learn more about the stories and experiences of each participant. Their personal stories of struggle, pain, and redemption are heartbreaking and inspiring in equal measure. One of the most compelling inmates is Brian, a young man who has been in and out of prison since he was a teenager. Brian is desperately looking for a way to break free from his addiction and the cycle of violence that has plagued his life. Through the program, Brian confronts his past traumas and acknowledges the impact they have had on his life. His journey is one of the most powerful and inspiring parts of the documentary.

Another standout participant is Dark Cloud, a Native American man who has been in prison for over two decades. Dark Cloud's journey is about reconnecting with his cultural heritage and healing from the cultural genocide that his community has suffered. Through the program, Dark Cloud confronts his anger and finds a way to channel it into positive action. His transformation is a testament to the power of the program and the healing effects of group therapy.

Overall, The Work is a powerful and unforgettable documentary that shines a light on the humanity and vulnerability that exists within us all. The film is a testament to the power of group therapy and the transformative impact it can have on people's lives. It's a must-see documentary that will leave you with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

The Work is a 2017 documentary 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 7.8 and a MetaScore of 84.