16 Shots

16 Shots is a 2019 riveting documentary detailing the real-life events surrounding the shooting of a black teenager, Laquan McDonald, by a white police officer, Jason Van Dyke, in Chicago in 2014. This thought-provoking film not merely narrates a tragic event, but it raises intense questions about racial tensions, police violence, systematic cover-ups, and the struggle for justice. The chief players in this intense narrative are Anita Alvarez, the state's attorney involved in the case, Dean Angelo, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago, and Alma Benitez, an eyewitness to the shooting.

The film, directed by Richard Rowley, serves as an in-depth investigation into the incident, focusing on the divergent narratives that emerged from both the police department and the victim's community, shedding light on the broader issues of structural racism and the cultural bias that often prevails within law enforcement agencies. The title, 16 Shots, is drawn from the number of bullets that were fired at Laquan McDonald during the incident, raising the question of disproportionate force used by the police.

Anita Alvarez, as the Cook County State's Attorney, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. Her responsibility for charging criminal cases in Chicago gets complicated with the deep-seated political and racial tensions in the city. The film showcases how Alvarez, along with the police department, comes under intense scrutiny for handling the case in a manner that many perceived as an attempted cover-up. The documentary further highlights her struggle to balance between her duty to uphold justice and the overwhelming pressure from various quarters.

In contrast, Dean Angelo, representing the Fraternal Order of Police throughout the controversy, provides an illuminating viewpoint on the case from the perspective of law enforcement officers. His comments and statements in the film aid in shedding light on the mentality and internal culture of the police department. The film emphasizes the role of Angelo in defending the indicted officer, Jason Van Dyke, sticking to his conviction of the police's innocence, despite mounting evidence against this viewpoint. Yet, his perspective is absolutely necessary for the film in order to paint a well-rounded picture of where each party stands in the incident.

Alma Benitez, a youthful eyewitness of the incident, adds an element of rawness and authenticity to the story. Being one of the few people who saw the shooting firsthand, her account of the incident becomes a powerful tool towards the search for truth. The film portrays her as a brave individual who takes on the challenge of speaking out against systemic racism and police violence, even amid fear and threats.

The film takes viewers on an intense journey, characterized by public outrage, street protests, and courtroom drama. The release of dashcam video almost a year after the incident, showing a significantly different story to the one initially reported by the police, acts as the major turning point in the narrative, fueling demanding for justice, and leading to a public trial.

Overall, 16 Shots serves as a comprehensive examination of a deeply disturbing incident of police violence, while delivering a wider commentary on systemic racism and the urgent need for police reforms. Director Richard Rowley skillfully weaves together a narrative filled with political intrigue, personal stories, street-level activism, and courtroom drama to create a compelling viewing that contributes significantly to conversations about the realities of life in marginalized communities.

It is not an easy film to watch. But, it is an important one. It prompts self-reflection regarding our own biases and the role we play within the systems we live. 16 Shots is a documentary that challenges us to ask the difficult questions and examine the uncomfortable truth about the societies we inhabit.