Much less a biopic and more a straight historical drama, Selma succeeds where other films have failed. In less skilled hands, this film could have easily been a mess akin to Lee Daniels’ The Butler from last 2013, but DuVernay’s confident direction, photographer Bradford Young’s striking cinematography and lead actor David Oyelowo’s powerful performance really elevate the film beyond its easy trappings.

It might seem conventional on the whole, but Selma soars far more often than it falls (and it does, on a few occasions). The release really makes the film in this case – it seems more relevant than ever in this “new civil rights” era. If it were released in, say, the middle of last year, it might not have hit home as hard, but as it stands, it’s a rigorous and meaningful piece of cinema.

Oyelowo is the definite highlight: he plays King with a remarkable confidence and brings humanity to such a revered and idolized figure. The supporting cast is often severely underused or underdeveloped, which forms a bit of a problem in that Selma doesn’t play out like a biopic despite placing all its emphasis on King, and pushing aside characters that it clearly wants the audience to care about. And the film’s falters are mostly concentrated in the first half, while the crescendos, like the famed march itself and King’s stunning speech, are left for the end, which makes the beginning a bit tedious.

The first sequence on the bridge is one of the best sequences of 2014. Bradford Young’s photography, especially, shines in this segment of horror as an emotional high point. Despite some storytelling faults, Young’s work is consistently terrific and, along with the editing, succeeded greatly in setting this film apart. The use of slow-motion, juxtaposed with more visceral scenes of kineticism creates a truly thrilling atmosphere when needed.

Selma is a rigorous picture and a true success. Both Young and DuVernay succeed in crafting an emotionally moving and technically accomplished piece of cinema that might not have worked under different circumstances. Strongly recommended.

Rating: 3.5/5