Slay the Dragon

Slay the Dragon is a compelling 2019 political documentary that boldly exposes the dark underbelly of the American democracy - gerrymandering, a problem so pervasive yet discreet, that it has the power to compromise the very cornerstones of the democratic process. Directors Barak Goodman and Chris Durrance expertly navigate the intricate labyrinth of the phenomenon and its far-reaching consequences, taking the audience on an engrossing journey through one of the greatest threats to modern-day democracy.

The film opens with a look at the aftermath of the 2010 elections, an event that ushered in a significant political realignment, not merely in terms of leadership but most notably in the redistricting process of various states. As the might of the Republican Party strengthened, their redistricting strategies started taking unique and troubling shapes. Stephen Wolf, a political author and editor, brings in his expert analysis, shedding light on the astoundingly clever yet ethically suspect tactics of gerrymandering.

Adding to the gravitas of the documentary is the insightful commentary by Rick Pluta, veteran public radio correspondent, whose astute observations underscore the gravity of the issue at hand. Charles Williams II, notable Detroit-based pastor and politically engaged figure, adds a unique perspective to the conversation, sharing his views on how gerrymandering exacerbates racial and socio-economic disparities and restricts marginalized communities' political power.

Slay the Dragon gives us a behind-the-scenes account of how gerrymandering manipulates the electoral map by reshaping district boundaries to favor one political party. The directors masterfully illustrate this manipulative process and its far-reaching implications, contributing to an increasing polarization of the American populace and subversion of the democratic process.

The narrative doesn’t stop at showcasing the problem. It follows the tireless efforts of everyday activists fighting against this political goliath, thereby threading a vein of resilience and optimism through the disconcerting revelations. Among them is Katie Fahey, a young Michigan woman who spearheads a grassroots organization called Voters Not Politicians. Her determination to defend democratic values against the oppressive odds breathed new life into the anti-gerrymandering movement.

While the film is predominantly rooted in the aftermath of the 2010 events, it is not confined by it. The directors flash back to various points throughout history, tracing the evolution of gerrymandering and its entrenchment in the political landscape. While providing an informative discourse on the phenomenon, the film doesn't shy away from highlighting the disturbing trend of partisan manipulation and dominant forces' ethically questionable decisions.

Despite being a political documentary, Slay The Dragon portrays an emotional narrative. We see this in the brave residents who stepped up when their places of origin were demarcated into insignificance and who chose to fight against this gross infringement of their rights. The film manages to strike a perfect balance between an informative documentary and the human struggle at its heart.

Although the focus is predominantly on the American political landscape, the issues Slay The Dragon discusses have global relevance. Gerrymandering, the film subtly reminds us, is not limited to the United States. It's a threat that looms over any democratic setup that falls prey to political and bureaucratic greed for power.

Goodman and Durrance have created a film that asks hard questions and faces uncomfortable truths, making it an essential watch for any individual genuinely concerned about the state of democracy today. Slay the Dragon is an eye-opening documentary that takes us on a journey through the twisted turns of political maneuvering, the manipulative art of gerrymandering, and the power of the common man when armed with unyielding determination and a belief in democracy.

Despite painting a daunting picture, the film ends on a hopeful note, prompting us all to question, engage, and most importantly, not to lose hope. In the end, Slay The Dragon is less about politics itself, but more about the resilience of democracy and the power of ordinary people who strive to protect it.