Detroit (2017) is an intense historical drama directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the Academy Award–winning filmmaker behind The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. The film is based on real events that occurred during the 1967 Detroit riots, specifically the tragic and horrifying events at the Algiers Motel.
Detailed Summary
The Riots Begin
The film opens with a striking animated sequence illustrating the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities like Detroit and the racial tensions that grew as a result. By July 1967, Detroit is a powder keg of frustration, racism, and police brutality. When police raid an unlicensed after-hours club, the resulting confrontation spirals into a full-scale riot, leaving parts of the city burning and martial law declared.
Introducing the Key Figures
We meet Larry Reed (Algee Smith), a young singer in the Dramatics, who is on the verge of success before the riots erupt. Alongside him is Fred Temple (Jacob Latimore), his close friend. They seek safety at the Algiers Motel.
Meanwhile, Melvin Dismukes (John Boyega), a private security guard, tries to keep order and prevent further violence, attempting to act as a bridge between the black community and law enforcement.
Enter Officer Philip Krauss (Will Poulter), a Detroit police officer whose violent and racist behavior sets off the central tragedy of the film.
The Algiers Motel Incident
The film’s central act unfolds almost entirely in the Algiers Motel. A guest fires a starter pistol out the window, which police mistake for sniper fire. In response, Detroit police, National Guardsmen, and state police storm the motel.
Inside, Krauss and other officers round up the guests, including Larry, Fred, and two young white women, Julie (Hannah Murray) and Karen (Kaitlyn Dever). Over the course of the night, Krauss and his fellow officers brutally beat and terrorize the group, trying to extract a confession about the “sniper.”
This sequence, shot in a claustrophobic and documentary-like style, is the heart of the film. It’s relentless, uncomfortable, and deeply disturbing, emphasizing the power dynamics and institutional racism of the moment.
By the end of the standoff, several young black men are dead, and the survivors are emotionally destroyed.
Aftermath and Cover-Up
The following morning, the surviving victims are arrested as if they were the perpetrators. The police concoct a story to cover up what happened, claiming the victims were armed and threatening.
Dismukes, who was present but largely powerless during the incident, is also taken in for questioning. He’s torn between guilt and fear—knowing he did not pull the trigger but also recognizing his complicity in the system.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with the trial of the officers, including Krauss. Despite overwhelming evidence and eyewitness testimony, the court acquits them of all charges. The verdict is devastating but historically accurate—mirroring the deep racial injustice of 1960s America.
Larry Reed, traumatized by the experience, leaves his singing career behind. In one of the most poignant moments, we see him performing gospel music in a church, suggesting he has turned to faith as a means of healing, even if the scars remain.
Melvin Dismukes is cleared of any wrongdoing but becomes ostracized and haunted by guilt. The film ends with a stark message about systemic racism and the painful reality that justice was never truly served for the victims of the Algiers Motel.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Detroit does not include any post-credits scenes. The movie concludes with end text explaining what happened to the real individuals involved and closes on a somber note—reminding viewers that the events are drawn from true, still-relevant history.
Type of Movie
Detroit is a historical crime drama and docudrama, mixing elements of a thriller and social commentary. It’s designed to feel almost like a documentary, immersing the audience in real events with emotional and political weight.
Cast
- John Boyega as Melvin Dismukes
- Will Poulter as Officer Philip Krauss
- Algee Smith as Larry Reed
- Jacob Latimore as Fred Temple
- Hannah Murray as Julie Ann
- Kaitlyn Dever as Karen
- Jack Reynor as Officer Demens
- Ben O’Toole as Officer Flynn
- Anthony Mackie as Greene
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by James Newton Howard, blending tense orchestral cues with moments of soul and gospel influence to reflect the period and emotional tone. The soundtrack also features 1960s-era Motown tracks that anchor the story in its Detroit setting—a city synonymous with music and culture.
Filming Locations
Detroit was filmed primarily in Boston, Massachusetts, due to the difficulty of shooting in modern Detroit neighborhoods that have since changed significantly. Some scenes were also shot in Detroit to capture authentic exteriors.
The Algiers Motel set was meticulously reconstructed based on photographs and survivor testimony to ensure historical accuracy.
Awards and Nominations
While critically acclaimed, Detroit was notably snubbed during major award seasons. It did, however, earn:
- Critics’ Choice Awards nominations for Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow) and Best Acting Ensemble.
- Several wins and nominations from film critic associations for its performances (especially Will Poulter and Algee Smith).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal spent over a year interviewing survivors and witnesses to reconstruct the events.
- Will Poulter said playing Krauss was “psychologically exhausting” and required therapy after filming.
- John Boyega met with Melvin Dismukes in person to understand his mindset during the riots.
- Bigelow insisted on a semi-improvised shooting style, allowing actors to react naturally to the chaos.
- The cast filmed the motel scenes in near-total sequence, increasing the tension and realism.
Inspirations and References
The film is inspired by true events, particularly the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit riot. Much of the script was drawn from eyewitness testimony, police records, and journalistic investigations. There is also clear inspiration from earlier civil rights cinema like Mississippi Burning and Malcolm X.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Bigelow shot several courtroom sequences that were shortened for pacing. Early drafts included a more extended epilogue showing Larry Reed years later, but this was cut to keep the focus on the events of 1967. No alternate ending was filmed—the director wanted to preserve historical accuracy.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Detroit is not based on a single book but rather inspired by historical research and multiple nonfiction sources, including “The Algiers Motel Incident” by John Hersey (1968). While the book focuses more on the police investigation, the film takes a more emotional, immersive approach, showing the brutality firsthand rather than through documents and reports.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The chaotic police raid that begins the riots.
- The first tense encounter at the Algiers Motel when Krauss enters.
- The “mock execution” sequence, one of the film’s most haunting and intense moments.
- Larry’s quiet performance in church, symbolizing both loss and resilience.
Iconic Quotes
- Larry Reed: “I just wanted to sing. I didn’t want to die.”
- Dismukes: “We’re supposed to be protecting these people.”
- Krauss: “You think you run this city? You don’t run nothing.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Several minor characters are named after real Detroit police officers from the 1967 records.
- The Dramatics’ performance scene was filmed using a real Motown-style recording studio setup.
- The film’s final text uses the original 1967 police report language verbatim, underlining how the truth was officially distorted.
Trivia
- Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to direct a major Hollywood film about the civil rights era.
- Will Poulter was originally offered another role but requested to play Krauss for its psychological challenge.
- The production consulted with the Detroit Historical Society to recreate accurate riot environments.
- The original Algiers Motel building was demolished in 1979; the site remains empty today.
Why Watch?
Detroit is a visceral, emotionally charged exploration of race, power, and justice in America. It’s not an easy watch—but that’s precisely the point. It captures the chaos and terror of a real historical atrocity with unflinching realism. If you value powerful performances, historical truth, and social relevance, this film is a must-see.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Hurt Locker (2008)
- Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
- Point Break (1991)
- Strange Days (1995)
Recommended Films for Fans
- 12 Years a Slave (2013)
- Selma (2014)
- Fruitvale Station (2013)
- Mississippi Burning (1988)
- Do the Right Thing (1989)
- Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
