The Blood is at the Doorstep

The Blood is at the Doorstep is a captivating and intensely personal 2017 documentary directed by Erik Ljung. It offers an intimate and thought-provoking examination of one family's tragic loss and their pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. The movie features Dontre Hamilton, Nate 'Junior' Hamilton, and Maria Hamilton as they navigate a complex and often polarizing struggle for the truth.

The emotional core of the film lies in the chilling story of Dontre Hamilton, a black man suffering from schizophrenia, who was shot 14 times and killed by a Milwaukee police officer in broad daylight in 2014 at Red Arrow Park. The incident, which catalyzed civic unrest and fueled a reinvigorated Black Lives Matter movement in the city of Milwaukee, is framed in a larger dialogue about racism, police brutality, and the damaging effects of mental health stigmas.

The Hamilton family is at the center of the narrative. Maria Hamilton, Dontre's mother, stands resolute in her quest for truth and justice, despite bearing the unimaginable pain of losing her son under contentious circumstances. Nate 'Junior' Hamilton, Dontre's brother, becomes a key figure in the city-wide protests and acts as a vocal critic of the Milwaukee Police Department and the local government's general silence regarding Dontre's case. Their collective grief and determination are woven throughout the film, providing a haunting and emotional depth.

Behind the veils of bigotry and bureaucratic red tape, the family persistently pushes for a comprehensive investigation into Dontre's death. The documentary captures pivotal moments in this journey, such as protests, marches, and public hearings. It also encapsulates the tense and often hostile public sentiment towards both the family and the police—an emblem of the nation's bitter divide on issues of racial prejudice and police conduct.

The director, Erik Ljung, does an exceptional job of presenting the detailed complexities of the case and the larger issues at play. He offers a panoramic view of the incident that goes beyond the headlines. Through a series of interviews, archival footage, and personal observations, Ljung brings viewers closer to the heart of the matter—highlighting both the systemic issues plaguing law enforcement and the profound personal suffering of a grieving family.

Ljung also sensitively handles the topic of mental illness, shedding light on the manifold challenges faced by individuals like Dontre and their families. In doing so, he counters stereotypical narratives surrounding mental health, thereby cultivating empathy and understanding among viewers. He threads the film with a plea for humanity, for recognition of the value and dignity of every life, irrespective of one’s mental health status or racial identity.

The Blood is at the Doorstep also peels back the layers on the strained relationship between Milwaukee's African-American communities and the city's police force. It presents a sobering mirror to the rest of America, reflecting the systemic racism, discrimination, and long-smoldering grievances that have historically characterized interactions between law enforcement and marginalized communities.

The cinematography is poignant, visually narrating the mourning and protests in a manner as respectful as it is gripping. Even silence is used to powerful effect in the movie, memorializing Dontre and giving viewers the space to reflect on and absorb the gravity of the unfolding events.

While The Blood is at the Doorstep is an examination of one specific incident, it nevertheless addresses the broader narrative of similar incidents in America. It may serve as a wakeup call to some while affirming the lived experiences of others, who have long known the reality of police brutality and racial discrimination. This film is not just about the struggle of the Hamilton family, but also a compelling commentary on the broader struggle for justice and reform in America.

In essence, The Blood is at the Doorstep is a deeply human story that exposes the intersectionality of race, mental health, and police brutality. It leaves you with a profound sense of the immense human cost of systemic bigotry and ignorance, pushing viewers to look inward and question society itself. It's a film that communicates with sensitivity and strength, bringing to light the voices of those fighting these battles every day.