The Public (Emilio Estevez, 2018): USA

Reviewed by Michael Geraghty. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, 2018.

Staring in his own film, director Emilio Esteves (playing as Stuart Goodson) tackles the homeless crisis by bringing us a film that tests your resolve for humanity. Brilliantly filmed, the film captures the essence of the homelessness issue without beating you over the head with it. By keeping the dialogue funny, the film makes you love each character and feel the pain they all share while keeping you entertained and engaged throughout. The film creates a stronghold of emotion and resolve that leaves you with a lasting impression.

Stuart Goodson is a seemingly normal librarian with a strong passion for his job and the books that surround him. After the library is hit with a $900k lawsuit for discrimination, Stuart is on close watch by the Board of Directors. The library is filled with homeless people from the city as they see refuge from the growing cold outside its walls. After hearing that many of died due to cold, the homeless patrons take a stance-they will make a stronghold in the library by “peaceful demonstration” to save themselves from the deathly cold outside. After refusing to leave at closing, Stuart must make a choice: save the patrons of his library or keep the job that he so loves.

By inserting witty laughs and fun moments, the film keeps the viewer engaged and pushes you to feel the love for each homeless character depicted in the film. The story is one of humanity and love and pushes us to look within for our treatment of this growing problem. Although some may find the film takes the issue too lightly, the film appeals to a wider audience and therefore has a potential for a greater impact to affect societal change.

A great film and definite must see!