Deep Dive: The Work (2017)
Film Lens
The Work is a 2017 documentary that follows three civilians participating in a four-day group therapy retreat at Folsom State Prison in California. The retreat is organized by the Inside Circle Foundation, led by James McLeary, who is also the father of the film's director, Jairus McLeary. The film captures the interactions between the civilians and incarcerated men, focusing on personal growth and emotional healing within a prison setting.
Filmed over 300 hours in 2009 and 2010, The Work features a unique perspective, as it was made with the permission of Folsom's inmates. The documentary's co-director, Gethin Aldous, joined the project after experiencing the program himself. The film received critical acclaim, winning the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at the South by Southwest festival in 2017.
Why Watch
- •Watch the emotional interactions at Folsom State Prison.
- •See the unique group therapy approach with incarcerated men.
- •Meet the McLeary brothers and their father, James McLeary.
Did You Know
•The Work was filmed over 300 hours of footage between 2009 and 2010.
•The film premiered at South by Southwest on March 11, 2017.
•It grossed $5,853 domestically after its release in Los Angeles.
•The film received a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 58 reviews.
Perfect For
Prison reform advocatesMental health discussionsDocumentary enthusiasts