The Work

The Work is a raw, compelling, and emotionally charged documentary from 2017 directed by Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous. The central figures in the film include the introspective and brooding Eldra 'Vegas' Jackson III, the empathetic counselor and activist James McLeary, and the street-wise and stoic Charles Tate Jr. The movie shines the spotlight on the tense but uplifting process of group therapy in an environment that symbolizes the epitome of toughness and masculinity - a prison.

Set inside the walls of Folsom Prison in California, the film is a deep dive into a four-day group therapy retreat, a program carried out by Inside Circle Foundation, which was established with the central aim of reducing prison violence. Here, the documentary subtly but powerfully dismantles the supposed dichotomy between the lives we live inside and outside prison walls. It highlights the universal human experiences of pain, regret, heartache, and the innate desire to change and improve oneself.

Eldra 'Vegas' Jackson III is a charismatic figure who serves as one of the main subjects of the documentary. He's a hardened inmate with a complicated past, who passionately engages in the therapeutic process. Throughout the film, Vegas daringly uncovers his fears and vulnerabilities as he embarks on a journey of self-realization and transformation.

Charles Tate Jr. also offers an intriguing perspective. His stoic exterior slowly gives way to a more vulnerable interior as he takes part in the therapy sessions. His journey illustrates the walls that many men construct around their emotions and the strength it takes to dismantle these barriers to healing and personal growth.

Another critical figure is James McLeary, who isn't an inmate but plays a pivotal role as a facilitator for the group therapy sessions. McLeary brought this program to Folsom over 20 years ago, driven by a deep belief in rehabilitation. His empathy shines through as he nurtures a safe space in which participants navigate their emotions, often for the first time in their lives.

The Work isn't a conventional documentary about the prison system. It doesn't focus on the undeniable social and economic injustices that continue to plague inmates. Instead, it offers an intense, intimate look at the emotional worlds of men largely viewed as hardened criminals. Through the raw displays of emotion, the documentary suggests that beneath the hardened exteriors of society's "toughest," there is a wealth of human experience and emotional complexity.

The filmmakers expertly capture the therapy sessions, oscillating between unfiltered emotional outbursts and silent contemplation. The film's power lies in its ability to show the vulnerability and pathos beneath the toughened exteriors of the inmates. Despite their broad physical presence and stern expressions, they're very much human beings wrestling with their insecurities, fears, and regrets - an image starkly contrasting the stereotypical portrayal of inmates.

The concept of masculinity forms the thematic core of the film. Each character, whether an inmate or an outside participant, struggles with societal expectations of what it means to be a man. Through emotional release, these men challenge their perceptions of masculinity, demonstrating that admitting vulnerabilities and seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness. By dismantling the myth of the unfeeling, invincible man, the film reveals a version of masculinity that emphasizes emotional honesty and connection.

While the film adheres tightly to the format of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, its close-up shots and intense personal narratives make it feel almost like an immersive experience. As a viewer, you're in the room with these men, feeling their raw pain and getting swept up in their stories. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit and our capacity for change, no matter our circumstances.

The Work is a powerful, emotionally-stirring documentary masterpiece that delivers an impactful statement on rehabilitation, redemption, and the profound effects of emotional honesty. Underneath the harsh exterior of the prison and the tough facades of the inmates, there is a shared humanity that the film beautifully brings to light, effectively challenging our preconceived notions about masculinity, inmates and emotional vulnerability. It is, in essence, a story of universal human struggle and hope, making it an emotionally charged viewing experience that will resonate deeply with its audience.