Watch The Big Scary 'S' Word

The Big Scary 'S' Word is a thought-provoking documentary film that delves into the topic of socialism. The movie, released in 2020, is directed by Yael Bridge and features Adaner Usmani, Eric Foner, and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor as the main voices. The film begins with a brief explanation of what socialism is and why it has traditionally been seen as such a taboo topic in American politics. It then goes on to explore the history of socialism, starting with the French Revolution and moving through the various socialist movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The movie features interviews with a variety of notable figures, including historians, scholars, activists, and politicians. Many of these experts offer compelling arguments for why socialism is necessary in the 21st century, particularly in light of growing income inequality and the failure of capitalism to address climate change.

The film also examines the different forms socialism can take, including democratic socialism, market socialism, and revolutionary socialism. It explores how these different approaches have been implemented in various countries around the world, with a particular focus on the successes and failures of socialist movements in Latin America.

The Big Scary 'S' Word does not shy away from addressing the common misconceptions and criticisms of socialism. It addresses concerns about government control, economic stagnation, and individual freedom. The interviews with experts and activists help to dispel many of these myths and provide a nuanced understanding of what socialism can look like in practice.

Throughout the film, the audience is invited to consider what a socialist future might look like in the United States. The movie advocates for a more equitable society, where everyone has access to affordable healthcare, education, and housing. It argues that capitalism cannot provide these basic necessities and that a socialist system is necessary to ensure that everyone has a decent standard of living.

One of the strengths of the movie is its ability to make complex economic and political concepts accessible to a general audience. The interviews are engaging and informative, and the film is well-written and expertly edited. The use of archival footage and animation helps to bring the history of socialism to life and adds an extra layer of visual interest.

Overall, The Big Scary 'S' Word is a compelling and informative documentary film that is sure to spark lively conversations and debates. It does an excellent job of introducing audiences to the complex history and potential future of socialism, and it provides a fresh perspective on a topic that has traditionally been seen as taboo in American politics.

The Big Scary 'S' Word is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.