The Inspection (2022) Movie Reviews
The Inspection is a highly personal story for writer and director Elegance Bratton. His semi-autobiographical film details the journey of Ellis (Jeremy Pope). He’s been homeless for years after his mother found out he was gay and cast him aside. In order to find his place in life, win back his mother’s favor, and avoid sleeping in the homeless shelter Ellis decides to join the Marines. He is forced to revisit his mother’s apartment to get his birth certificate and this interaction is one of the few between them in the film. His mother, Inez (Gabrielle Union), is tough on the outside and her relationship with Ellis is complicated. Her disapproval of him lingers in the air even after he reveals his plans to her.
When he makes it to boot camp, his journey proves to be more difficult than he has anticipated. The physicality of training is difficult, but when his fellow recruits discover that he’s gay, the difficulties intensify. They beat him up any chance they get and during training exercises purposely pick on him. The rest of the movie details Ellis’ trials of trying to fit in with his unit while also being at odds with them.
Bratton’s movie perfectly encapsulates being black and gay in the military during the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell era. The movie is anchored by a brilliant performance by Jeremy Pope. One look into the camera and Pope conveys all of the turmoil and angst of being gay and surrounded by people who simply won’t accept you. Bratton is quick to criticize the military’s practices that undoubtedly made his life difficult during his time in the service. The commentary isn’t new and isn’t any more insightful than other movies that pick apart the military’s outdated methods.
But Bratton delivers a more difficult feat. Despite the problematic aspects of the military, Ellis (and by extension Bratton), longs to belong to this exclusive club. There is a certain level of respect for Marines that is afforded to those who complete boot camp and Ellis feels a sense of pride that he completed his training. Whether his unit likes him or not, they are forced to respect him as part of their group. Bratton is able to balance his criticism of the military with his complicated feelings (perhaps a little pride) at having served and completed his service despite all of the obstacles in his path.
The Inspection is compelling largely due to Pope’s performance. He carries most of the movie with Bratton keeping things interesting and the intensity high, particularly with Ellis’ unit. A small but excellent turn from Gabrielle Union as Ellis’ mother provides another foil for Ellis and depicts Bratton’s own difficult relationship with his mother. As the end credits begin to roll, we see the movie is dedicated to Bratton’s mother, who passed away before they could mend their relationship. If the movie’s theme seems muddy at times, that might be because it is in real life for Bratton too.
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You like stories about the armed forces
2. You like LGBTQ+ stories
3. You like stories about overcoming obstacles
