When I was approached to review a movie about the flooding of the ninth ward in New Orleans, my first thought was that I’d rather pan Max Payne than watch yet another recounting of what is possibly the largest failure of government to act in our history. After considering the unique perspective this film provides, I decided to give it a shot and was rewarded with a first-hand account of a natural disaster of unimaginable proportions.
 
The film begins with Kim Rivers recording some of the pre-hurricane activity on her hand-held camera. She talks to neighbors and family before the storm and you really get the feeling that some people are concerned, some aren’t and some could not really care less. She diligently mans her camera throughout the storm, documenting the rise of water through their retreat to the attic and the wait for rescue that doesn’t come. The first-person account of the storm is a point of view missing from most of the major news shows documenting the disaster.
 
After the storm, she continues filming their trials, recounting their difficulties trying to find shelter, struggling with an ineffective FEMA to distribute funds, their migration to Memphis in an attempt to start anew, and their ultimate return to New Orleans which, devastated as it remains, is still home.
 
The footage recorded by Kim and her friends and family of the worst natural disaster in America’s history is nothing short of incredible. It really puts you right there in the middle of the storm where you can feel the uncomfortable rise of the water and the dread of not knowing your fate.
 
While this definitely has some high dramatic points, there is much levity, showing the strength of character these people have. One such point shows Larry, one of Kim’s relatives, wading in chest-high water with a floating punching bag, acting as a human ferry for those that need help. The fact that he was out there, happy he was helping people, with a big smile on his face despite the horror around him is something I find astonishing and inspirational.
 
The tough times Kim and her crew face after the floods subside, dealing with FEMA and relocating, are taken in stride. While their frustration is obvious, they all keep their heads up and look toward making things better instead of sinking into despair. While it’s not necessarily stated, you can see everyone has a bit of reaffirmation of faith which lends them the strength to keep a positive outlook despite the trials they continually have to face.
 
This is definitely a film worth experiencing in the theater. If it doesn’t have an impact on you, emotionally or inspirationally, you have to be dead inside already. Playing at the Westhampton starting Friday. 

Verdict | Watch It!