The Alabama Solution

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The Alabama Solution

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1h 57m

Documentary

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13 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 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.

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Alissa Wilkinson

New York Times

Bringing several types of filmmaking, amateur and professional, together for a movie like this makes that message all the more powerful.

Oct 3, 2025

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

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.

Oct 3, 2025

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Zachary Lee

RogerEbert.com

This is a project for and by those who have experienced inhumanity firsthand yet refuse to have their voices snuffed out by a corrupt institution.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 3, 2025

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

I wish we still lived in a time when documentaries this powerful could make a difference.

Oct 3, 2025

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Lauren LaMagna

Next Best Picture

“The Alabama Solution” may not provide a definitive answer, but it sparks an undeniable demand for change, making it one of the most urgent and important documentaries of the year.

Rated: 8/10

Oct 2, 2025

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Sarah Manvel

Movies We Texted About

The important journalism from everyone involved in this film shines a light into the American prison system to show what violence is being done with our tax dollars and in our names.

Jul 19, 2025

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Stephen C

Real footage in 1 hour and 57 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/04/25

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Andrew Jarecki

Director

Charlotte Kaufman

Director

Andrew Jarecki

Screenwriter

Charlotte Kaufman

Screenwriter

Page Marsella

Screenwriter

Andrew Jarecki

Producer

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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