The Inspection (2022)
90%RT Audience Score: 93%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Although it’s frustratingly clumsy in certain respects, The Inspection is an affecting actors’ showcase in service of some truly worthy themes.
The Inspection may have some awkward moments, but it’s a real tear-jerker that shows off some seriously talented actors. The themes it tackles are totally worth it, even if you have to cringe a little at some of the clunky bits.
Production Company(ies)
LGBTQ Stories, Prejudice
Distributor
A24
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Mississippi, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 34m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 2, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Drama/Lgbtq+
Keyword(s)
starring Jeremy Pope, Raúl Castillo, McCaul Lombardi, Aaron Dominguez, Bokeem Woodbine, Gabrielle Union, directed by Elegance Bratton, written by Elegance Bratton, produced by Chester Algernal Gordon, Effie Brown, drama, LGBTQ+, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Adam Graham, Thelma Adams, Lindsey Bahr, Sarah-Tai Black, Nick Schager, Odie Henderson, Eric Marchen, John Urbancich, Kevin Carr, Chris Knight, Michael J Casey, MPAA rating R, Marines, basic training, prejudice, camaraderie, belonging, identity, perseverance, inspiring, affecting, actors’ showcase, themes, clumsy, frustrating, poignant, raw, poetic, standout performances, humanist lens, documentary, toxic reaction, homosexuals, performance, character, tone, audience score 93%
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend: $65,942
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $70,602
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,085
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Raúl Castillo – Rosales
McCaul Lombardi – Harvey
Aaron Dominguez – Castro
Bokeem Woodbine – Laws
Gabrielle Union – Inez French
Director – Elegance Bratton
Producer – Chester Algernal Gordon, Effie Brown
Writer – Elegance Bratton
Director(s)
Elegance Bratton
Writer(s)
Elegance Bratton
Producer(s)
Chester Algernal Gordon, Effie Brown
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (95) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (82) | Rotten (13)
“The Inspection” does feel unfocused at times, or like it’s playing the Greatest Hits of other movies that came before it. It’s not until Union’s character returns that the film comes full circle…
December 2, 2022 | Rating: B-
Adam Graham
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
Observant, insistent and unsparing, wrapped around characters that feel real and rounded.
December 2, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Thelma Adams
AARP Movies for Grownups
TOP CRITIC
It is the type of film — brave, raw and poetic — that will rightly put Bratton on the map as someone to watch, not to mention the standout performances of Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union.
December 2, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Lindsey Bahr
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
With The Inspection, Bratton has continued working with the humanist lens through which he shaped his captivating 2019 documentary Pier Kids.
December 2, 2022
Sarah-Tai Black
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
A stunning look at a gay man’s terrifying, triumphant time at Marines boot camp.
November 30, 2022
Nick Schager
The Daily Beast
TOP CRITIC
Bratton’s unique perspective is so much more interesting when you hear him talk about “The Inspection” that you often wonder where it is when you’re watching it.
November 24, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Odie Henderson
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
The Inspection passes the exam thanks in part to Pope and Castillo’s memorable turns.
December 4, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Eric Marchen
Rogers TV
Through it all, the twice Tony-nominated Pope delivers one of the year’s most potent performances, while Bratton, who eventually created instructional movies for the Marines, becomes a filmmaker to watch. Oorah!
December 3, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
John Urbancich
JMuvies
An unflinching look at the toxic reaction to homosexuals in various aspects of life.
December 3, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Kevin Carr
Fat Guys at the Movies
I’m not doubting the tough time that Bratton went through in basic training. It’s a testament to his perseverance that he was able to push through it. And it’s inspiring to watch Ellis do likewise.
December 2, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Chris Knight
National Post
A satisfying piece of performance, character and tone.
December 2, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Michael J. Casey
Boulder Weekly
Throughout The Inspection, Jeremy Pope powerfully and convincingly inhabits Ellis French, his body posture and voice changing during his journey.
December 2, 2022
Diane Carson
KDHX (St. Louis)…
Plot
A young, gay Black man, rejected by his mother and with few options for his future, decides to join the Marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside. But even as he battles deep-seated prejudice and the grueling routines of basic training, he finds unexpected camaraderie, strength, and support in this new community, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his identity and forever change his life. Based on true events.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Jeremy Pope, who plays the lead role of Ellis French in The Inspection, is a Tony-nominated actor known for his work on Broadway in shows like Choir Boy and Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.
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