Watch King in the Wilderness

King in the Wilderness is a documentary film that follows the final years of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, specifically from the period from the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1965 until his assassination in 1968. Directed by Peter Kunhardt, the film was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. The film takes an intimate look at King's personal and political struggles during those tumultuous years. It shows him grappling with questions of morality, duty, and allegiance as he tries to figure out what role he should play in the broader civil rights movement. During this time, events such as the rise of Black Power and the Vietnam War are also unfolding, which creates additional challenges for King.

King in the Wilderness includes a fascinating mix of archival footage, interviews with some of King's closest confidants, and behind-the-scenes commentary from historians and scholars. It provides a nuanced and complex portrait of King, revealing his humanity, his doubts, and his internal conflicts. The filmmakers don't shy away from showing King as a man who experienced fear, anger, and frustration, emotions that are sometimes obscured by the heroic image of him as a public figure.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its focus on King's shift from the nonviolent, integrationist stance that defined his early career to a more radical, antiwar, and economically-focused approach. The film shows how this evolution alienated some of his fellow civil rights leaders and made him a target of white supremacists, but it also highlights the urgency of King's pursuit of justice for all people, regardless of color or economic status.

Another strong theme of King in the Wilderness is King's relationship with the media. The film highlights how the press often misrepresented him, distorted his message, and pitted him against other civil rights leaders in order to create sensational headlines. King's frustrations with the media are palpable throughout the film, and they serve as a reminder of the power dynamics that shape how history is recorded and remembered.

Despite the profound challenges that King faced during these years, King in the Wilderness is not a bleak or hopeless film. Instead, it shows King's resilience, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to justice. It also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of social movements and how ordinary people can make a difference in a world that is often hostile to change.

Overall, King in the Wilderness is an important and timely film that offers a nuanced, insightful, and moving portrait of one of the most iconic figures in American history. It sheds light on a critical period in King's life and challenges us to think deeply about issues of race, justice, and morality that continue to shape our society today. Whether you're a longtime admirer of King or someone who is just beginning to explore his legacy, this film is a must-see.

King in the Wilderness is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 97.