What happens when a famous documentarian decides to turn one of America’s darkest chapters into a gripping film? You get “Separated,” Errol Morris’ latest documentary that’s turning heads and twisting hearts at the Venice Film Festival. The film is a visceral dive into the controversial policy enacted by the Trump administration that separated immigrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t your typical snooze-worthy documentary about government paperwork. With drama, emotion, and even a few unexpected laughs, Morris shows us the chilling reality behind the headlines. Ready to find out why this film is the talk of the festival? Let’s break it down.
Immigration has always been a hot-button issue, but few policies have stirred up as much controversy as the Trump administration's family separation policy. The idea? To deter illegal immigration by forcibly separating parents from their children at the border. The reality? A humanitarian crisis that left lasting scars on countless families. That’s the focus of “Separated,” Morris’ hard-hitting yet highly engaging documentary that goes beyond the usual talking points to explore the human toll of this policy.
Morris brings in experts, including former employees of the Office for Refugee Resettlement (ORR)—don’t worry if you’ve never heard of them, you’re not alone. Through their testimonies and his masterful storytelling, Morris paints a vivid picture of how this cruel policy came to be and why, despite the risks, people still undertake the perilous journey to America. As one ORR worker notes, “Somehow that journey was less of a threat than the gangs trying to recruit them.” It’s a chilling reminder of the desperation driving these families, and Morris doesn’t shy away from showing the stark contrast between bureaucratic decisions and their real-world impacts.
You might think a film focused on government policies would be dull, but Morris is no ordinary filmmaker. He uses every trick in the book to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. From gripping dramatizations to poignant storytelling, Morris captures the physical and emotional challenges faced by a young Guatemalan boy and his mother as they brave the treacherous journey to the United States. It’s both heartbreaking and riveting, drawing you into their world and making you feel their pain.
One of the most powerful techniques Morris employs is overlaying dialogue with contrasting visuals. As we hear former presidential advisor Stephen Miller and Donald Trump discuss securing America’s borders, we see images of a mother and son risking everything for a better life. The effect is jarring, highlighting the absurdity of certain anti-immigration rhetoric. Sure, border security is important, but is a young mother and her child really the threat we should be afraid of? The juxtaposition is both striking and thought-provoking, forcing viewers to question the narrative they've been fed.
However, not all of Morris' creative choices hit the mark. The film spends a bit too much time following mundane email chains, complete with dramatic sound effects whenever someone new is added to the thread. While the intention is to capture the banality of bureaucratic processes, the result feels more tedious than thrilling. There’s only so much excitement to be had from watching people send emails, and that limit is quickly reached.
Despite these minor missteps, “Separated” deals with heavy material in a way that never feels exploitative. The footage of children in detention facilities is handled with care, with all faces blurred to protect their identities. Rather than focusing on individual cases, Morris zooms out to explore how a policy as brutal as family separationj could happen on a systemic level—and the monumental efforts to put an end to it.
Morris avoids easy answers or tidy conclusions. The film presents a messy situation with great clarity, thanks to sharp editing and a steady pace that allows each poignant statement, such as “Harm to children was part of the point,” the space it needs to resonate.
“Separated” isn’t just a film; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that in the face of such blatant human rights violations, complacency is not an option. Morris doesn’t hide his stance—he’s clearly against the policy, and he uses his platform to amplify the voices of those who are too often silenced. Watching “Separated,” you get the sense that things like this happen not just because of flawed policies but because of ambition—people willing to sacrifice others’ well-being for their own career gains.
In the end, “Separated” is more than a documentary about a specific policy; it's a wake-up call for America. It’s a stark reminder that if we’re not vigilant, history has a way of repeating itself. And that’s a story no one wants to see again.
