They Call Us Monsters

They Call Us Monsters is a compelling 2016 documentary that takes viewers into the complex world of juvenile justice in the United States, spotlighting the lives of three adolescents held in a high-security facility for minors. The film is directed by Ben Lear, his documentary debut, and features individuals like Allegra Acosta, Joel Anderson, and Richard Bloom, among others.

The emotionally gripping documentary invites us to follow the lives of Antonio, Juan, and Jarad, each charged as adults for violent crimes committed while still under the age of 18. All three are housed in The Compound, the unit of the Los Angeles Central Juvenile Hall dedicated to youths facing adult sentences. Threading through the individual stories of these young boys, the documentary addresses the thorny issue of whether children who commit heinous crimes should be treated as adults.

The narrative of They Call Us Monsters is organically scripted as the three boys participate in a screenwriting class led by producer Gabriel Cowan. The complex emotions, personalities, dreams, and realities of the boys are narrangled through their own words as they write a collaborative screenplay about their lives, experiences, and perspectives. The creative process acts as a catalyst for self-exploration, offering a therapeutic outlet for the boys to express their emotions, reflect on their past actions, and deal with their fears and hopes for the future.

Simultaneously, the film doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of the crimes committed by the boys, acquainting viewers with the severity of the actions that led to their incarceration. It presents an honest picture of the victims' pain and the ripple effect of violence on society.

A gripping aspect of They Call Us Monsters is the backdrop of proposed legislative reform that forms the backbone of the documentary. Parallel to the boys' narrative, the documentary follows the journey of California's Senate Bill 260 which, if passed, would provide a chance for individuals who committed serious crimes as juveniles to be re-evaluated after serving a portion of their sentence. The film smartly intertwines this issue, providing viewers an insightful perspective on the debate over the fairness and efficacy of juvenile sentencing laws.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, lively moments do permeate the boys' screenwriting sessions, illuminating a more humane aspect underneath their hardened façades. Through these exchanges, moments of laughter, camaraderie, empathy, and youthful creativity emerge, contrasting sharply with the somber truth of their circumstances.

Each of the central characters is presented with depth and complexity. Antonio, a cheerful soul despite facing a possible life sentence for a fistfight that ended in a death; Juan, creatively gifted, awaiting trial for four counts of attempted murder; and Jarad, a proud father-to-be facing 200 years-to-life for four firings at a car full of passengers. The dynamics between the boys is integral to the film’s success, showing that beneath their criminal charges are young men capable of growth, remorse, and change.

The star cast - Allegra Acosta, Joel Anderson, Richard Bloom - make important contributions throughout. Their appearances as themselves give us a rich, unrehearsed insight into the machinations of the legal and correctional system, and humanity’s capacity to change.

In conclusion, They Call Us Monsters is an eye-opening documentary that raises uncomfortable questions about justice, crime, and punishment concerning minors. It provides a rare and intimate observation into the lives of youth offenders, presenting a human face to those often stigmatized by their crimes. It isn’t just a documentary about ‘juvenile criminals’; it’s a complex examination of broken homes, gang influence, systemic obstacles, and the immense potential of redemption. Though heart-rending at times, the film is ultimately a powerful conversation starter about the potential for rehabilitation, transformation, and the way society operates its justice system.