Watch The Public

The Public is a 2018 drama film written, directed, and starring Emilio Estevez, alongside a star-studded cast, including Alec Baldwin, Taylor Schilling, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone, Christian Slater, and Michael Kenneth Williams. The film takes place in downtown Cincinnati and tells the story of a group of homeless people who decide to occupy the Cincinnati Public Library to seek refuge from the bitter cold. What starts as a peaceful protest escalates when the library tries to get them out and the media storm they create goes viral, ultimately catching the attention of the police, politicians, and the city's residents.

The main character, Stuart Goodson (Emilio Estevez), is a librarian at the Cincinnati Public Library. He is passionate about his job and the role libraries play in the community. When he notices that a group of homeless people have been spending their days in the library to escape the cold outside, he sympathizes with them and allows them to stay. However, when the library announces that it will close early due to inclement weather, the homeless people are left with nowhere to go. Stuart feels responsible for their wellbeing and decides to stay with them overnight.

As the night progresses, more and more homeless people arrive at the library. They are tired, hungry, and freezing. Stuart realizes that he cannot turn them away and inspires his colleagues to join him in their cause. The library becomes a sanctuary for the homeless, but soon the police, the media, and even politicians get involved in the situation. The homeless have become a public spectacle and everyone has an opinion about them.

The film explores several themes, including homelessness, mental illness, and social justice. Throughout the story, we see the struggles of the homeless individuals and the challenges they face every day. We also see the empathy and compassion of some of the library employees who are willing to risk their jobs to help them. On the other hand, the police and politicians are more concerned with political agendas and are prepared to use force to evict the homeless from the library.

The performances in the film are excellent. Estevez gives a heartfelt portrayal of Stuart, who is torn between his loyalty to the library and his commitment to helping the homeless. Baldwin plays Josh Davis, a local news reporter who sees the event as an opportunity to make a name for himself. Schilling is Angela, a prosecutor who is investigating the case and is conflicted between her professional duties and her personal feelings. The supporting cast also shines, particularly Wright as Mr. Anderson, a homeless man who is suffering from mental illness.

The cinematography captures the cold, grey atmosphere of the streets of Cincinnati. The library is portrayed as a beacon of hope and safety in the middle of a harsh reality. The film makes excellent use of technology, including social media and cell phones, to show how events can quickly spiral out of control and how people can mobilize for a cause.

The Public is a powerful film that asks important questions about our society's priorities and values. It highlights the plight of the homeless and the importance of libraries and public spaces. The film shows the potential of social media to raise awareness and mobilize people for a cause, but also the dangers of misinformation and sensationalism. The film's ending is impactful and raises even more questions about the fate of the homeless and the role of public institutions.

Overall, The Public is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression on its viewers. It is a thought-provoking and emotional story that will challenge your beliefs and leave you wanting to make a difference in the world. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of art in creating change.

The Public is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 46.