Watch Blood on the Wall

Blood on the Wall is a 2020 documentary directed by Sebastian Junger and Nick Quested that takes a deep dive into the migrant crisis at the US-Mexican border. The film focuses on the brutal journey of migrants from Central America, who are fleeing poverty, violence, and persecution in their home countries, and are risking their lives to reach the US.

The documentary opens with an intense scene at the border fence, where heavily armed US border guards confront migrants attempting to cross into the US. The guards are portrayed in militarized gear, seeming ready for a war. In sharp contrast, the migrants appear vulnerable, desperate, and exasperated, some of whom have walked for weeks or even months to reach the border.

The film then goes on to show the horrific conditions migrants endure as they make their way through Mexico, which is notorious for its ruthless gangs, human traffickers, and corrupt officials. The testimonies of migrants and their families, who have lost loved ones on their journey, are heart-wrenching. The filmmakers use drones to capture the vast expanse of the unforgiving terrain, which makes the journey even more treacherous.

The documentary also highlights the political and socio-economic factors that have fuelled the migrant crisis. The US's involvement in the civil wars of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador in the 1980s and 1990s, its disastrous 'War on Drugs' policy, and its demand for cheap labour, have all had an impact on the instability, violence, and poverty that exists in Central America today.

The film then shifts its focus to the US, where the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies have made the journey even more dangerous for migrants. The closing of legal ports of entry has forced migrants to cross illegally, increasing their risk of being detained, deported, or even killed. The separation of families and the detention of children in cages has caused widespread outrage and condemnation both domestically and internationally.

The film provides a nuanced portray of the complex issue of immigration, showing how US policies have failed to address the root causes of the crisis and have only made it worse for migrants. The film also showcases the resilience and courage of the migrants, who are willing to risk everything for a better life for themselves and their families.

Blood on the Wall is a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply human documentary that sheds light on one of the most important issues of our time. The filmmakers' use of stunning visuals, raw, personal interviews, and immersive sound design makes the film an unforgettable experience. The documentary challenges us to confront the realities of the migrant crisis and to find compassionate, just, and humane solutions to this pressing issue.

Blood on the Wall is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.