‘Profiled’ is an insightful, powerful documentary that gives a voice to the mothers of Black and Latino youth who have been murdered by the NYPD.

With the country being more conscious about the treatment of people of color by law enforcement, this documentary provides a historical context to the systemic racism the United States was founded upon and continues to thrive from. 

Tackling such a heavy subject in only 53 minutes is not an easy feat.

Yet, the film not only succeeds at putting into context why these killings happen but also connects with the audience by looking at the subject through the perspective of mothers and family members whose relatives were subjects of police brutality and systemic racism. 

The most poignant moment of the film comes from Natasha Duncan, whose sister Shantel Davis was shot dead by an NYPD officer in June 2012. 

“What NYPD don’t realize is that they’re connecting us Burrough by Burrough, state by state, coast by coast, and they don’t even know how big this is going to get,” Duncan said.

Her statement was made in 2013 during a vigil on the first anniversary of her sister’s death. 

While her words predicted what was to come seven years in advance, it also serves as a beacon of hope for the future. It’s proof that through grassroots efforts and organizing, we can make a difference to the world around us, starting with our own communities. 

In one of the few cases in which a film would benefit from more screen time. This documentary could have used an extra 15-20 minutes since it attempts to go through many different subjects. Topics such as why the media demonizes deceased people of color by painting a false narrative, or the role of the Christian faith being used as a means to justify slavery, could have been explored and connected to current events a little more since it feels like those topics are there to cover all the bases. 

Although these themes feel a bit rushed, it can encourage the audience to do their own research on the history of institutionalized racism in the United States, and how it continues to uphold a system that was designed for the benefit and luxuries of an “exclusive” class. 

Nevertheless, ‘Profiled’ accomplishes its goal of not only connecting to the viewer through captivating imagery and touching messages but also instills a sense of inspiration for a better world. 

I give it a 9/10.