’14th’ Review: Ava DuVernay’s Overstuffed Netflix Documentary Finds Us Living in the Age Frederick Douglass Warned Us About

Ava DuVernay's latest documentary, "14th," examines the enduring legacy and contested application of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The film, described as ambitious, endeavors to trace the amendment's "unfinished promise" through a contemporary lens, suggesting that current societal conditions reflect the very concerns articulated by abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The documentary's urgency is noted as a driving force, though at times it is suggested to overshadow the clarity of its central arguments.

Following up on DuVernay's critically acclaimed "13th," which explored the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, "14th" broadens its scope to encompass a wider historical and social panorama. The film reportedly delves into how the principles enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment—which guarantees equal protection under the law and due process—have been historically challenged and continue to be debated in modern American society. The narrative aims to connect historical struggles for civil rights and equality with contemporary issues, positing that the fight for the amendment's full realization is ongoing.

The critical reception highlights the film's thematic weight and the powerful, albeit sometimes overwhelming, sense of urgency it conveys. While acknowledging the documentary's significant ambition and its attempt to grapple with complex historical and legal concepts, reviewers point to a potential imbalance where the film's passionate delivery might detract from a more nuanced presentation of its evidence and assertions. The documentary's structure and content are seen as striving to make a compelling case about the present moment being a direct consequence of unresolved historical injustices, as warned by figures like Frederick Douglass.

"14th" thus presents itself as a significant cinematic work that seeks to provoke thought and discussion on fundamental American ideals and their practical application. The film's exploration of the Fourteenth Amendment's journey from its inception to its present-day relevance underscores a persistent tension between constitutional guarantees and lived realities for many Americans. The documentary's impact is likely to be measured by its ability to effectively communicate its urgent message about the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, even as it navigates the complexities of its ambitious scope.