Detroit is a historical thriller that takes place during the 1967 Detroit riot also known as the 12th Street Riot. The movie centers around the Algiers Motel Incident that took place at the height of the riot. Part of the “Long Hot Summer of 1967”, Detroit looks to explore the extreme racial tensions in wake of the end of segregation. It follows a doo-wop group and others staying the night at the Algiers Motel during the aforementioned riots. A prank goes horribly wrong as the police and national guard move in on the motel after hearing a gunshot. After searching the motel the police find a body and so begins a long night of horror for everyone in the motel.
Detroit is being produced by Annapurna Pictures and helmed by Academy award winning director Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty, Hurt Locker). The all-star cast includes John Boyega (Star Wars VII, Attack the Block), Anthony Mackie (Captain America, Hurt Locker), and Will Poulter (The Revenant, The Maze Runner) as well as many other up and coming new stars like Jacob Latimore and Algee Smith. With amazing anchor actors in Boyega and Mackie lead by the amazing Kathryn Bigelow, Detroit has has the legs to potentially take some Oscar’s home come awards season.
Detroit comes at an interesting time in light of current events. This film will hopefully resonate with the Zeitgeist of America and its renewed vigor for political activism. It’s always important to look back on our past to see the follies and strengths of our fellow countrymen at a time of unprecedented tension in our society. The 1960’s always provides one the best backdrops for making an extreme emotional connection for how dire the circumstances are for those caught in the crossfire of the political and racial turmoil of the era. Detroit opens in theater August 4th this year.
Steven Hanson
