S.P.I.T.: Squeegee Punks in Traffic

S.P.I.T.: Squeegee Punks in Traffic is a raw, unfiltered, and emotionally stirring documentary film that was released in 2001. The film is centered around the underground, unconventional, and largely misunderstood world of squeegee kids, embodying the grungy and challenging lives they lead on the bustling streets of Montreal, Canada. Moviegoers get to venture into this mostly alien experience through the eyes of the talented director, Daniel Cross, and the film's protagonist, Eric "Roach" Denis, who's not just a squeegee kid, but also a punk musician and a poet.

The squeegee kids are young street dwellers who earn their keep by cleaning car windshields at traffic intersections. The eponymous Roach guides viewers through the intense ups and downs of his life, experience, and the eclectic mix of characters that make up the squeegee community. It's this undiluted connection that Roach manages to form with the audience which makes the viewing experience so profound.

The film is much more than just a portrayal of youth living on society's fringe; it's an exploration of human survival, resilience, and the acceleration of youth in the face of hardship. It vividly narrates the life of squeegee punks, somewhat akin to a social fraternity whose members weave through traffic, armed with their squeegee handles, wiping windshields for whatever amount drivers are willing to pay, an act that is considered illegal in many parts of the world.

Roach, the film's main arc, presents a powerful character study. Initially coming off as aggressive and possibly off-putting to some, as the film progresses, viewers are taken on an emotional journey that slowly unravels the layered complexity of his character. This transformation evolves naturally, revealing a character of depth, introspection, and poetry shrouded with a rough exterior. What starts as a matter-of-fact account of his struggles soon becomes a critical introspection not just of himself, but also of the society that has marginalized him and his friends.

The documentary also dives into the socioeconomic aspects, the political scapegoat inherent to squeegee culture, and how it's treated by law enforcement and the larger society. It gives a well-rounded view of the trials faced by such homeless youth on the street - drug addiction, police harassment, public ridicule, and the tumultuous challenges of day-to-day survival. The director artfully captures the contrast between the driving punk music soundtrack, the frenetic energy of the city, and the raw and brutal reality of life on the streets.

S.P.I.T.: Squeegee Punks in Traffic underlines the stark dichotomy between these young vagabonds' rebellious, free-spirited lifestyle, and the harsh reality of societal indifference and active discrimination. Despite the heavy theme, the film does not neglect the aspects of camaraderie, romance, and direct action that combine to form an authentic and riveting narrative.

With captivating interviews incorporated into the documentary, viewers gain insight into the untold stories of these children of the road. These monologues give a voice to the voiceless, depicting their dreams, fears, friendships, and the relentless struggle against the system that pushes them further to the outskirts of society.

S.P.I.T.: Squeegee Punks in Traffic is a provocative and hard-hitting documentary that presents an in-depth view of a way of life most people only glancingly encounter through their car windows. Seen through the indomitable spirit of Roach, the film provides an intimate insight into the human condition that is incredibly moving, encouraging viewers to question their stereotypes and biases. The film's candid storytelling is precisely what makes it such a powerfully evocative and enthralling watch. This is a movie that pushes boundaries, challenges the status quo, and emphasizes empathy and understanding above all else, making S.P.I.T. a documentary that's well worth your time.