Exterminate All the Brutes

Exterminate All the Brutes is an ambitious and groundbreaking four-part documentary series from HBO that was released in 2021. It is a unique, profound, and all-encompassing investigation into the shameful, harrowing, and complicated realities of the European colonial project from America to Africa and its enduring impact on society today.

The series is the brainchild of acclaimed filmmaker Raoul Peck, most known for his heroic past work I Am Not Your Negro, which explored the history of racism in the United States through the prism of three murdered civil rights leaders. Peck continues his astute examination of the mechanics of race, wealth, power, and violence in this new series.

Exterminate All the Brutes artfully blends multiple storytelling elements. It hybridizes scripted scenes, documentary evidence, animation and voice-over narration, to dissect, deconstruct, and expose the horrid underpinnings of white supremacy, colonialism, and genocide. While it attempts to change the traditionally documented narrative of history by championing a more holistic, inclusive and honest understanding of it, the series remains emotionally affecting and intellectually stimulating.

The title of the series is drawn from the sentence "Exterminate all the brutes!" from Joseph Conrad's preeminent novella, Heart of Darkness. However, the series also finds inspiration from three fundamental works: Sven Lindqvist's 'Exterminate All the Brutes,' Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz's 'An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States,' and Michel-Rolph Trouillot's 'Silencing the Past.'

A compelling narrative of the history of white supremacy, the series doesn't shy away from charting the course from its earliest roots up through its manifestation today. Each of the four episodes takes the audience on a journey that connects the dots between past and present, employing a unique and artistically ambitious storytelling approach that helps to contextualize the influencing factors that have shaped, and continue to shape, society's views on race and supremacy.

Central to the series is Peck's personal journey. Born in Haiti, educated in Germany and France, and with an impressive film career in the United States, he brings a unique perspective on colonialism and its effects, using his personal narrative and experiences to weave a more comprehensive picture of the historical fallacies of racial superiority.

The documentary series is not entirely centered around interviews and historical footage. It also employs dramatized, scripted segments that essentially distill the macro-historical events into micro-representations, allowing the viewer to feel and experience rather than simply learn. These segments are occasionally surreal, allegorical, and difficult to watch, but it helps in emphasizing the violence, cruelty, and inhumanity of the past.

The pacing of the series is also noteworthy, as it moves back and forth throughout history, drawing attention to the disturbing parallels and connecting the threads between historical events and the present time. This construction sees the series overlapping subtopics and related narratives in non-linear fashion, bringing to the forefront a layered perspective instead of presenting a simplified linear history.

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the series is its use of archival footage and historical writings to dismantle the whitewashing and mythologizing of history. By centering the voices, experiences, and perspectives of the people who suffered – and continue to suffer – the devastating impacts of genocides and racial injustices, the series attempts to shatter the dominant and often distorted narratives of history.

Exterminate All the Brutes is a comprehensive, well-structured, and profoundly personal exploration of the truth behind the brutal history of colonization and white supremacy. For those willing to confront harsh realities and challenge simplistic historical narratives, it is an unforgettable watching experience. Its striking visuals, innovative storytelling, and uncompromising narrative give voice to the oppressed and shines a light on the challenging history that has often been brushed under the carpet.

While the show delves into deeply unsettling and consequential themes, it is an important watch for anyone desiring to better comprehend the world as we know it. The series may be tough, but it is enlightening, offering viewers an opportunity to gain knowledge and challenge what they think they know about history. In essence, Exterminate All the Brutes offers necessary discomfort for a more truthful understanding of our shared past.