Watch The Overnighters

The Overnighters is a powerful and moving documentary film from 2014, directed by Jesse Moss. The film follows the story of a pastor named Jay Reinke, who is trying to help a group of desperate men who have come to his North Dakota church seeking work during the oil boom. When Jay Reinke learns that there are thousands of job openings in the small town of Williston, North Dakota, he decides to open the doors of his church to men who are looking for work. Reinke believes that it is his duty as a Christian pastor to help those in need, and he is particularly moved by the plight of these men who have come from all over the country to find work in the oil fields.

However, not everyone in Williston is happy with Reinke's plan. There is growing tension between the local residents and the transient workers, who are seen as a threat to the community. Reinke is also under pressure from his own congregation, who are starting to question his motives and the impact that the workers are having on their church and their town.

As the tension and suspicion mounts, Reinke finds himself increasingly isolated and alone. He begins to question whether he is doing the right thing, and whether he is really helping these men or just putting himself and his community at risk.

The Overnighters is a uniquely powerful and affecting documentary, offering a complex and nuanced perspective on the issues of poverty, migration, and community in modern America. Through the eyes of Reinke and his fellow church members, we see the conflict between charity, self-interest, and fear, and the enormous challenges faced by those who seek to help others in a society that is increasingly divided.

At the heart of the film is Reinke himself, a deeply compassionate and empathetic man who is struggling to balance his faith and his obligations as a pastor with the practical realities of the situation. He is a complex and compelling figure, and the film treats him with great sensitivity and respect.

The Overnighters is also a beautifully shot and well-crafted film, with stunning cinematography capturing the bleak and stunning landscapes of North Dakota, and a haunting musical score that adds to the film's emotional power.

Overall, The Overnighters is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers an intimate and powerful insight into one of the most pressing issues of our time. Through the experiences of Jay Reinke and the men he is trying to help, we are forced to confront our own assumptions and prejudices about poverty, immigration, and the American dream. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, The Overnighters is a must-see documentary that explores the complex issues of American society with sensitivity and insight. It is a heart-wrenching and powerful film that will make you think deeply about the nature of compassion, faith, and community. If you haven't seen it, it is definitely worth seeking out.

The Overnighters is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 89.