Rotten Tomatoes
Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

The Alabama Solution

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for The Alabama Solution Now Playing 1h 57m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In 2019, filmmakers visit an Alabama prison to film a revival meeting. Off camera, incarcerated men whisper a message: terrible things are going on here and being kept secret. This sparks an immersive six-year investigation to discover the reality behind the walls of one of the nation's deadliest prison systems. Through unprecedented direct access and video shot on contraband cell phones, the filmmakers learn from the men inside about a suspicious and violent death. The story unfolds in real time, revealing it isn't an isolated incident and that the official version appears far from the truth. What follows is a shocking story of brutality, corruption, and a system in collapse. As the men fight for their own survival, they embark on a campaign of resistance, against all odds.
Now in Theaters Now Playing Buy Tickets

Where to Watch

The Alabama Solution

Critics Reviews

View More
Christy Lemire FilmWeek (LAist) Nov 11
Harrowing to watch but essential. Go to Full Review
Alissa Wilkinson New York Times Oct 3
Bringing several types of filmmaking, amateur and professional, together for a movie like this makes that message all the more powerful. Go to Full Review
Robert Abele Los Angeles Times Oct 3
The movie, its many strands brilliantly threaded for maximum impact, is also an argument for the necessity of independent inquiry, and for a reassessment of what a “true crime” documentary means when the lion’s share of attention goes to sensationalized. Go to Full Review
Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap 1d
5/5
An Oscar-nominated, old-school investigative documentary about appalling conditions in state prisons that uses cell phone footage collected over a decade. Go to Full Review
Jared Mobarak Hey, Have You Seen ...? Jan 16
8/10
This is an impressive, powerful documentary born from hubris [that proves] "states’ rights" is merely a dogwhistle for "we should decide the legality of slavery ourselves." Go to Full Review
Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope Jan 1
A
From what is documented in this movie, it looks as though there ought to be a special place in hell for people claiming to be Christians who support and defend this prison system. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Jonathan K @aFIREintheattic 2d I wish I could say this is unbelievable, but it is completely believable given the reprehensible system we have constructed. It is plain as day how racism and the conditions of slavery and oppression remain rampant, particularly within Alabama and its prison systems. One aspect that is especially harrowing is the realization that while we live in a federation with a centralized government, so much authority is left to the states. This allows the old guard in certain regions to maintain ugly systems because the federal government cannot really intervene (even if it wanted to -- a big "if"). This reality is most evident in the film's title and the phrase politicians and administrators repeat: that this is "an Alabama problem that requires an Alabama solution". It's just code for "you can't tell us what to do; you took away our slavery so we'll find another way to do it." Disgusting. While the film highlights the bravery and... [continued on letterboxd] See more Paula G. @Pabis 4d Absolutely heartbreaking. It shakes your faith in humanity and justice, yet it’s essential viewing. See more Pat D @Quaker8 4d Easy to see how "Talibama" earned its nickname. Ironic that this one is filled with so-called christians. In a perfect world, they'd fear the hell out of Judgement Day. The corruption is glaring, all the way from the Governor's Mansion right on down to the "correctional" facility staff. Slavery is alive and well and thriving in Alabama. Shame! Shame! Shame! See more Dante 6. @electroTomatoes666 Feb 6 Does an amazing job of showing the relatable humanity of the inmates, mixed with callused inhumane politicians. See more Jonah H @Jonahhiller Feb 3 It's very important for people to see! The blatant corruption that's being exposed in this documentary is unbelievable. It's expose's the corrupt administration of Alabama and their prison system,the way these people have no regard for human life, and pay no consequences for their actions... See more Yash B @yashbansal Feb 2 "The Alabama Solution" is a harrowing and infuriating documentary, but also an essential one. This movie shines a light on the horrors of the prisons in this country and demands change. It is an emotionally draining film, but I feel that this issue cannot be one we turn a blind eye to. There are some courageous inmates who shared footage in this film that makes it feel very real and disturbing. I think it is well-made as it combines real footage as well as shares some specific stories where things just feel very suspicious. Overall, it is a thoughtful documentary that is super relevant and disheartening, but very intentionally and expertly made. See more Read all reviews
The Alabama Solution

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Movie Info

Synopsis In 2019, filmmakers visit an Alabama prison to film a revival meeting. Off camera, incarcerated men whisper a message: terrible things are going on here and being kept secret. This sparks an immersive six-year investigation to discover the reality behind the walls of one of the nation's deadliest prison systems. Through unprecedented direct access and video shot on contraband cell phones, the filmmakers learn from the men inside about a suspicious and violent death. The story unfolds in real time, revealing it isn't an isolated incident and that the official version appears far from the truth. What follows is a shocking story of brutality, corruption, and a system in collapse. As the men fight for their own survival, they embark on a campaign of resistance, against all odds.
Director
Andrew Jarecki, Charlotte Kaufman
Producer
Andrew Jarecki, Charlotte Kaufman
Screenwriter
Andrew Jarecki, Charlotte Kaufman, Page Marsella
Distributor
HBO Documentary Films
Production Co
HBO Documentary Films, Hit The Ground Running Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 3, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 10, 2025
Runtime
1h 57m
Most Popular at Home Now