37

37 is a 2016 drama film crafted by director, Puk Grasten. Inspired by real events, this indie drama takes us on an emotional journey through the lives of 37 neighbors the night Kitty Genovese was murdered. With its star-studded cast including Samira Wiley, Michael Potts, and Maria Dizzia, 37 is an exploration of human apathy, and ultimately, reveals the human ability to stay uninvolved in the face of personal tragedy.

The film is based on the infamous 1964 murder case of Kitty Genovese, in which a young woman was brutally attacked outside her apartment in Queens, New York. The footage of this horrendous incident led to an intriguing study by several sociologists, leading to the coining of the term 'bystander effect'. The term refers to the psychological phenomenon where people will not offer help to a victim when other people are present.

37 precisely encapsulates the indifferent and passive behavior portrayed by the neighbors during this incident, and skillfully documents what unfolded in front of 37 silent witnesses. It's a subtle yet profound portrayal of people becoming silent observers in their own lives. Instead of focusing on the crime itself, the film shifts its focus to a large number of unresponsive bystanders and the community that was thrust into national attention.

Samira Wiley, best known for her role in the popular series "Orange is the New Black," delivers an impeccable performance in a key role. Other pivotal roles have been brilliantly performed by actors Michael Potts and Maria Dizzia. They bring life to the compelling script written by writer-director Puk Grasten.

In addition to being a drama film, 37 ambitiously explores the different aspects of social psychology. It also examines the effect that the cultural and societal norms of the period had on individual reactions to the crime. At that time, the fear of stepping into others' private space was deeply ingrained into society, leading to an uncomfortable reality of passive onlookers that Grasten is determined the audience should witness.

The movie is interestingly divided into segments, each unraveling different characters one by one, rather than following a linear narrative. The influence of pop art and the aesthetics of 60s suburbia creates a stylized vintage feel to the visuals. The cinematography is one of the striking aspects of the film—it is dark, gritty and creates an eerie atmosphere that is hard to shake off, contributing to the overall heaviness of the theme.

The movie refrains from overtly moralistic underpinnings, but the psychological implications are quite clear – it condemns the bystander phenomenon. Director Puk Grasten takes a smart call by not dwelling upon the gruesome murder itself, but rather, focuses on the ordinary lives of the bystanders that remained indifferent. It is this indifference that stands out as the most horrific aspect of the whole incident.

37 is not a lighthearted film. It deals with the most fundamental moral questions about human nature. Its haunting narrative will stay with you long after the credits roll. Despite the darkness of the plot, there is a sense of hope that resonates throughout the movie, symbolizing that change is possible, and that individuals do have the ability to cast aside their apathy, and intervene to prevent situations like these in the future.

The film prompts viewers to reassess their habits of non-interference, urging them to step out of their comfort zones when witnesses to wrongdoing. This unsparing portrayal of human indifference is an experience that's likely to shake viewers out of complacency in the face of crime and perhaps prompt reassessment of personal choices made on a daily basis.

All in all, 37 is a moving and poignant portrayal of the human capacity for apathy. With superb performances, sharp direction and a thought-provoking plot, it's a gripping, must-watch movie that compels us to reflect on our responsibilities as a member of society and the evolving role of the individual within it.