I watched this movie only a few days ago and it has stuck with me. It’s not that it’s full of all the things I like- comedy, drama, love, thrills. But Garrett Hedlund, who plays KKK member Mike Burden, did amazing work portraying a conflicted man. Mike was evil — racist and hateful — but clearly showing signs of shedding the archaic, perverse way of life that is the KKK. I couldn’t help but yearn for him to leave this hateful group, even feeling sorry for him as he was pulled in two very different directions. I was also very surprised this movie was based on events that happened only a couple of decades ago. In 1996, weren’t we passed this type of hatefulness? I guess not.
I don’t think this counts as a spoiler, but a line that I absolutely loved came from Mike Burden as he chatted with Pastor Kennedy:
“Sir, if I call you my enemy, I’ll walk through Heaven and I will punch God just to get to you. If I call you my friend, I’ll walk through Hell and I’ll slap the devil for you.“
Isn’t that something?
Mike Burden’s girlfriend Judy, played by Andrea Riseborough, also left a memorable mark for me from this movie. She is a great example of what unconditional love can look like. I thought the acting all around was really great, and was surprised to see Usher in there, too.
If you need a movie for a rainy night and want one that will move you, I encourage you to check this one out. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
-Out of the Wilderness
Out of the Wilderness 