Is They're Trying To Kill Us Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2021 release of They're Trying To Kill Us stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Eschewing the glaringly color-blind format of many other documentaries interested in advocating for plant-based living, They’re Trying to Kill Us utilizes its specificity as an act of community care and offers up a new vision of what veganism might look like for communities of color who have been systematically targeted by nutritional and environmental racism. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Eschewing the glaringly color-blind format of many other documentaries interested in advocating for plant-based living, They’re Trying to Kill Us utilizes its specificity as an act of community care and offers up a new vision of what veganism might look like for communities of color who have been systematically targeted by nutritional and environmental racism."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Cedric the Entertainer is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Cedric the Entertainer captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Keegan Kuhn is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 108 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is They're Trying To Kill Us truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, They're Trying To Kill Us explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Keegan Kuhn respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, They're Trying To Kill Us is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Cedric the Entertainer or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, They're Trying To Kill Us is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.