Written and directed by Wynette Yao, co-directed by Travis Edwards, Pete, Gene, Colie, each man experienced a violent youth and was convicted of murder in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. Decades later, will our justice system give them a second chance at life?
Within the American justice system, there are countless facets which are inherently designed for people to fail, especially young, Black men. District of Second Chances gives viewers a good look at one example, which is arbitrary sentencing against teenagers based on societal pressure, optics and fearmongering. Giving a life-sentence without the possibility of parole to a teenager condemns the idea of change, when isn’t prison intended as rehabilitation, not simply punishment? Pete, Gene and Colie show how it works as both, and how one terrible choice should not determine their entire life.
The style of District of Second Chances itself follows the typical documentary rule book and interestingly, its atmosphere airs on the positive side. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but it does mean that it doesn’t always manage to match the harrowing nature of its story to the tone of the film. It’s a shame as, while the hopeful edge is a lovely thing to have, there was a harder hitting message to do justice to.
It also doesn’t always flow well between its three subjects, choosing neither to follow one at a time, or fully blend them together. It isn’t a massive hinderance as these are three compelling stories but again, it’s a factor that simply holds it back from its stronger potential. However, it is helpful to see these stories from multiple perspectives, starting with the men themselves and moving through their family, legal teams and other people working to forge these second chances in different communities.
District of Second Chances does exactly what it sets out to do, proves the need for second chances and that there are so many people out there deserving of them. Stylistically, it falls short and feels very much like a first feature that has potential but can’t quite make the most of it. The tone isn’t always hitting the perfect balance, instead it’s a rather simple exploration but it’s a story very worth telling.
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