Watch Circles: The Restorative Justice Project

Circles: The Restorative Justice Project is a powerful film that explores themes of redemption, justice, and reconciliation in the aftermath of a violent crime. Directed by Cassidy Friedman and featuring a talented cast of actors including Eric Butler, Mercedes Morgan, Ted Quant, Betsye Steele, and Tre Thomas, the movie tells the story of a group of people who come together to address the impact of a tragedy on their community.

The film begins with the central character, Eric Butler, being released from prison after serving time for a violent crime he committed years earlier. As he tries to navigate the challenges of re-entering society, he becomes involved with a restorative justice program that brings together victims, offenders, and community members to engage in a process of healing and forgiveness.

At the heart of the program are the "circles" themselves, where participants sit in a circle and take turns sharing their stories, perspectives, and feelings about the crime and its aftermath. Through these circles, the characters are able to confront their pain, heal their wounds, and work towards a sense of closure and redemption.

The film is grounded in a deep sense of compassion and humanity, and the cast delivers powerful performances that bring these themes to life in a visceral way. Mercedes Morgan shines as the victim's mother, grappling with the loss of her son and the desire for justice, while Tre Thomas delivers an emotionally charged portrayal of a young man struggling to move past his involvement in the crime.

The film also explores broader issues of race, class, and inequality, as the characters grapple with the ways in which systems of oppression and structural violence contribute to the cycles of trauma and harm in their community. Through the restorative justice process, they are able to challenge these systems and work towards a more just and equitable future.

Overall, Circles: The Restorative Justice Project is a deeply impactful film that offers a powerful vision of healing and transformation in the face of trauma and injustice. With its talented cast, thoughtful direction, and compelling storytelling, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience and the potential for radical healing and social change.

Circles: The Restorative Justice Project is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.