Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION - NETFLIX

James Lebrecht and Nicole Needham's NETFLIX documentary, Crip Camp is an incredible look inside the life of the biggest marginalised group in American society: disabled people. The documentary explores how one  small act of kindness and openness lead to a chain reaction which first changed the lives of individuals and then American society as a whole. 

Equal parts informative look into the lives of the physically challenged and unabridged time-capsule for a camp that, at a time of disparity and inequality, made its inhabitants feel at home. The driving force  behind the documentary is in its portrayal of the  people and their emotions. The revolution which takes place is a call for equality among their non-disabled peers. The footage shows physically challenged kids talking openly about their interests, fears and sexuality. They are an embodiment of power, stating ’yes we exist and we are just like you.’ 

This emotionally compelling showcase moves even the tougher members of the audience to a point of self-reflection.. It makes the viewer empathise through mutual understanding of experience, tying  both the audience and the individual on screen together through a bonding sense of humanity. 

With this being said, the documentary is not to be mistaken as an overly melodramatic effort in hammering its message to the viewer. Instead, it uses a homemade style of presentation to encourage the  audience to connect with the reality and tangibility of the now long disbanded camp and its inhabitants. By using this style, the revolution and injustices presented in the latter half feel not only real but transporting. It effectively communicates the anger, exhaustion and sadness felt during their struggle for equality. 

While  people’s pasts are explored and optimism for the future is shown, the audience  receives an educational experience regarding the history of the era.  The ignorant attitude and mistreatment of society is highlighted.  The viewer is able to reach these conclusions on their own  as the documentary is subtle and, in just 104 minutes, they feel connected to the struggles of these people.

The editing style emphasises this exploration through meticulously stringing the footage together like a photo album.  The usual interview trope displayed in documentaries is unfortunately still present, however, as a point of disruption.  This being said, these interjections do not exactly ruin the experience – or even the flow, to a certain extent – but do leave the audience wanting the people to narrate more. Instead, there is a gradual reveal of their faces for a greater sense of emotional impact.

This one point of contention, however, does not stop the film ultimately binding together the journey of its people and American society. The documentary spans  fifty years and more into an excellent little package made with love, care and values that this current world is severely lacking.

CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION is streaming exclusively on NETFLIX March 25th