Watch Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland

Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland is a 2018 documentary directed by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner that delves into the events leading up to the mysterious death of a young African-American woman named Sandra Bland. Using a combination of news footage, interviews with family members, friends, and activists, as well as Bland's own videos, the film explores issues of police brutality, racism, and the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.

The documentary opens with Bland's own video, a selfie-style video she recorded in her car, as she was on her way to Texas. Bland was moving there from Illinois to start a new job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University. Her family had grown concerned when they hadn't heard from her for a few days, only to find out that she had been arrested during a routine traffic stop. Three days later, she was found dead in her jail cell.

The film gives us a glimpse into Bland's life and what led her to become an advocate for social justice. It then shows the controversial dashcam video of her interaction with a Texas state trooper named Brian Encinia. From the start, their exchange is tense, and escalates quickly when Encinia orders Bland to put out her cigarette. When Bland refuses, Encinia pulls her out of the car and handcuffs her, leading to a physical altercation.

The film then explores the media coverage of the case, the outrage and protests that ensued, and the subsequent investigation. Through interviews with Bland's family and friends, we hear about the impact her death had on their lives and how they coped with the grief.

The documentary also highlights the systemic issues that contributed to Bland's arrest and death. It exposes the often-unseen world of police brutality against black people, the criminalization of mental health issues, and the consequences of a broken justice system. The interviews with activists and experts provide valuable insights into how these problems intersect and provide valuable context to the larger conversation about race in America.

Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland succeeds in painting a powerful and deeply personal portrait of a young woman whose life was cut short by systematic oppression. It tells the story of a young woman who was passionate about social justice and how her life and death have become a symbol of the larger struggle for racial equality.

The documentary is a stirring call to action that encourages viewers to take a closer look at the issues surrounding policing and the criminal justice system, and to question the systemic inequalities that persist in the United States. By shining a light on the life and death of Sandra Bland, the film hopes to create a renewed sense of urgency around police reform, mental health care, and racial justice.

Overall, Say Her Name is a moving tribute to a young woman whose death will never be forgotten. The film is a testament to her legacy and a reminder that her fight for justice is far from over. It's a must-see for anyone who cares about social justice, racial equality, and the fight for a better future.

Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 76.