Rikers

About This Movie

Rikers (2016) is a raw and unflinching documentary that dives deep into the lives of those who’ve emerged from the shadows of New York City’s infamous Rikers Island Jail. Bill Moyers directs this intimate portrayal, allowing these individuals to share their stories, which are tinged with a sense of despair but also resilience. The pacing feels deliberate, almost meditative, as it juxtaposes their harrowing experiences with moments of reflection. It captures not just the trauma of incarceration but also the broader systemic issues at play. The atmosphere is heavy, but there’s a certain authenticity in the way these narratives unfold, making it a distinctive entry in the landscape of documentary filmmaking.

Intimate portrait of former inmatesAddresses systemic issues of incarcerationRaw storytelling and emotional depth