87
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100IndieWireRobert DanielsIndieWireRobert DanielsA harrowing piece of filmmaking, and a fitting, powerful remembrance of those who fought for their humanity.
- 100TheWrapRonda Racha PenriceTheWrapRonda Racha PenriceWhat unfolds is a bone-chilling account of what is widely regarded as the largest prison rebellion in U.S. history.
- 100Los Angeles TimesRoxana HadadiLos Angeles TimesRoxana HadadiAttica is a jarring, engrossing, and enraging reminder of how those in power will lie, humiliate, kill and cover up to retain it, and the documentary is one of the year’s best.
- 91The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayWhat’s been forgotten is that the prisoners’ dramatic seizure of Attica was intended to give them a platform for their legitimate grievances—to get the tax-paying citizens to understand what exactly their money was buying. If nothing else, Nelson’s Attica gives these men another opportunity to raise their voices.
- 88The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerThe racial context is incisive; the retelling is tense, tight and chilling. These kinds of stories are emotionally wrenching to watch but can’t be told too often.
- 88RogerEbert.comOdie HendersonRogerEbert.comOdie HendersonStanley Nelson’s documentary Attica is a harrowing, infuriating look at racism and the abuse of power by people who see others as inhuman.
- 83The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakThe purpose of Nelson and Curry’s film is to therefore turn the focus of what happened back onto the real perpetrators rather than the victims who have been vilified as such instead.
- 80Film ThreatAlan NgFilm ThreatAlan NgThe description of the actual re-claiming of the prison by the corrections officers and the national guard is told in horrifying detail, and the torture and punishment of the surviving prisoner are much worse. I dare you to watch it today and not get angry about the racial divide that existed in the 70s.
- 80The New York TimesBen KenigsbergThe New York TimesBen KenigsbergThere is a fascination in hearing about the logistics of the riot and just how surreal events were for the prisoners.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergThe Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergNelson’s newest film ... may be his most important yet. ... That’s why it’s hard to criticize Nelson when there are gaps in his storytelling.