Based in part on a documentary about the mixed race marriage that changed the law in America. 1958. Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton have married, despite the fact that it's illegal in Virginia - first mistake - and are caught and tried. They are forced by law to leave the state and relocate to Washington, but they both come home for the baby's birth - and are caught again - second mistake. (Why didn't he just drop her off and go back to Washington?) Anyway, many years go by and the case is picked up by the American Civil Liberties Union and the court case continues - though Edgerton's behaviour is reluctant and sulky (for some odd reason). This stupidity and unlikeability do work against the film, though are likely part of the true story.
In the United Kingdom and the countries thereof, mixed race marriage has never been illegal.
There's a moment of a rope going round the branch of a tree which is for a second horribly triggering of lynching - turns out to be the kids stringing up a play rope, though maybe it was a deliberate intention.
Well shot by Adam Stone again. Edited by Julie Monroe. Music by David Wingo. Production design Chad Keith.
Terri Abney, Alano Miller, Martin Csokas (sheriff), Nick Kroll (initial lawyer, reminds me of Richard Benjamin), John Bass (second lawyer, Molly's Game, Sword of Trust), Michael Shannon, Bill Camp.
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