Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad and the importance of bearing witness

Images of Black trauma, whether real or fictional, are extremely difficult to watch. But experts say Canadians seeking a truthful understanding of their country’s history with prejudice will find meaning in depictions of racism that don’t gloss over the hard truths. Case in point: The Underground Railroad, a new original series on Prime Video that offers an unflinching look at slavery and its institutional legacy.

The series debut of Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins is an allegorical reimagining of history, following a young woman’s journey to freedom on an actual train. The series is unflinching and visceral, with scenes that are—at times—uncomfortable to watch, yet according to historians, can help us draw important connections between slavery and modern systems of oppression. Read the full story on macleans.ca