‘14th’ Review: Ava DuVernay’s Birthright Citizenship Documentary Flounders

Ava DuVernay's latest documentary, "14th," attempts to explore the implications of Birthright Citizenship through a wide-ranging documentary style, but ultimately struggles to maintain focus and impact. The film, while educational and informative, often feels scattered in its narrative and lacks the dramatic cogency of DuVernay's previous works such as "Selma," "When They See Us," and "Origin."

It attempts to delve into the Reconstruction era, modern protests against Confederate monuments, and the controversies surrounding migration and immigration policies during the Trump administration. However, its many interview snippets and lack of grounding in the present make it more of a factual document than compelling documentary cinema.

The movie's use of archival images, manipulated through digital effects, is a noble attempt to humanize the dehumanized, but it may come across as uncomfortable at times. Despite these flaws, "14th" serves as an important statement in the current political climate, speaking truth to power. It presents the 14th Amendment's role in rebuilding the country after the Civil War, drawing connections to recent protests and political controversies.

However, the film's structure and editing feel haphazard, and the subjects' presence often lacks the time needed to fully explain their viewpoints. This results in a disjointed montage of experts, comedians, and Twitch streamers, all given the same weight. While it strives to maintain an egalitarian stance, the film's sentimentality and reliance on American nationalism may inadvertently undermine its own message.

In conclusion, "14th" is an important conversation starter, but it falls short of being a truly compelling and impactful documentary.