12 Years a Slave
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
Critics Sentiment
Solomon left hanging by noose for hours until Ford arrives
Armsby takes Solomon's money but betrays his letter plan
The film drops from the devastating Patsey whipping sequence to the more hopeful arrival of Bass, representing the shift from absolute despair to the possibility of freedom.
Critics consistently praised 12 Years a Slave as a masterpiece of unflinching filmmaking, with particular acclaim for the central hanging sequence and Patsey's whipping as devastating yet essential cinema. The film maintains exceptionally high critical regard throughout, with reviewers noting McQueen's refusal to look away from slavery's brutality while celebrating the outstanding performances across the cast. Despite the difficult subject matter, critics emphasized the film's artistic achievement and historical importance.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 84
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Solomon Northup
Michael Fassbender
Edwin Epps
Lupita Nyong'o
Patsey
Benedict Cumberbatch
William Ford
Paul Dano
John Tibeats
Sarah Paulson
Mary Epps
Adepero Oduye
Eliza
Scoot McNairy
Brown
Paul Giamatti
Theophilus Freeman
Brad Pitt
Samuel Bass
Michael Kenneth Williams
Robert
Alfre Woodard
Mistress Shaw
Chris Chalk
Clemens
Taran Killam
Hamilton
Bill Camp
Radburn
Kelsey Scott
Anne Northup
Bryan Batt
Judge Turner
Quvenzhané Wallis
Margaret Northup
Garret Dillahunt
Armsby
Dwight Henry
Uncle Abram
Crew
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