Deciding to join the military is a massive decision for anyone who makes it, but it is complicated when you don’t see any other options for your future as a young, gay, Black man whose mother has cast him aside. That decision is how Elegance Bratton ended up with a camera in his hand.
His semi-autobiographical narrative feature debut from the documentary filmmaker “The Inspection” premiered at Toronto International Film Festival this past fall. The film is centered around the aforementioned decision of a young, gay, homeless Black man to join the military during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era. While his mother may have cast him aside and faced with deep-seated prejudice, he finds support, camaraderie, strength, and a sense of belonging within the military.
When asked about what it was about this particular experience that made Bratton want to bring it to the big screen, Bratton stated, “I made this movie first and foremost to heal myself from things I had been through. And I think the one thing that was most damaging to me is the idea that somehow by being gay and Black, I was basically a social pariah.”
He continued, “The world had nothing to gain from me, so, therefore, I didn’t matter; I didn’t exist. Then I joined the Marines and learned that I’m important because of my ability to protect the person to my left and right.”
The film stars Jeremy Pope, Gabrielle Union, Bokeem Woodbine, and Raúl Castillo and is brought to audiences by A24. “The Inspection” arrives On Demand this Thursday, December 22.
Ahead of the film’s VOD release, we are pleased to premiere an exclusive featurette about the creation of the film:
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