The new documentary “Parkland Rising” spotlights the activism that emerged from the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, following those students and parents who became organizers. It’s a shame, then, that the film doesn’t match its subjects in energy, imagination or perspective.
Initially, when the film begins with remembrances from the tragedy, it seems that it will take a broad overview of the event and its consequences. In those first few minutes, the director, Cheryl Horner McDonough, uses group interviews, newscasts and videos of the attack taken from inside the school as well as calls to the police. But as the path out of bloodshed becomes clear, the movie narrows its focus and primarily follows students, particularly David Hogg, as he navigates media attention, and a defiant father, Manuel Oliver, who makes art in remembrance of his slain son, Joaquin.
This shift dulls and diminishes the effect of the movie. To build her profiles, McDonough alternates between original studio interviews and at-home footage of her subjects in Parkland as they plan and carry out protests. Although the interviewees frequently speak directly to the camera, McDonough does not include her questions in the movie and rarely engages the activists, even to offer evidence that supports their statements.
“Parkland Rising” passes the low bar of not undermining the people it covers, but by avoiding both research and conflict, it fails to provide a reason for its own existence. The documentary offers little more than a microphone for advocates who had already found one for themselves.
Parkland Rising
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 32 minutes. Watch on virtual cinemas.
Source: Movies - nytimes.com
