Natural Life

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that juveniles convicted of murder cannot be sentenced to life without any hope of later review. Filmmaker Tirtza Even's powerful documentary offers a good illustration of why locking kids up and throwing away the key was a bad idea. Since the film could not be shot in a working prison facility, Even turned instead to phone interviews with prisoners who were given life sentences as adolescents—serving time with no chance for parole—as well as family members of murdered victims. Natural Life's visual component, however, is curious: the entire film is presented in split-screen, with side-by-side images of places and people (using re-enactment actors), but without much reference. But the end result is suitably impressionistic and haunting for this film about incarcerated adults who mourn their misdeeds as short-sighted kids. Several prisoners describe the events that led to murders they committed, and they talk about what life is like within the simultaneously monotonous and dangerous environment of prison. What stands out is their deep regret over terrible acts from decades ago, and the fact that they are not the same people today. Also interviewed are a few advocates within the justice system who call for an end to life-without-parole convictions for teens. Offering a compelling case that only reaffirms the recent change in the law, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)