Just Mercy: Film starring Michael B Jordan available to stream for free for education about systemic racism

Film inspired by the life of lawyer Bryan Stevenson

Just Mercy, a legal drama starring Michael B Jordan, has been made available to watch for free in the US for those who want to educate themselves about systemic racism.

The movie’s official Twitter account announced that the operation would continue through the month of June.

“We believe in the power of story. #JustMercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society,” the announcement reads.

“For the month of June, #JustMercy will be available to rent for free on digital platforms in the US.”

The move comes as protests have multiplied in the US in reaction to the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck.

Just Mercy is currently available to rent for free on Amazon Prime, YouTube Movies, and Vudu.

Starring Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson, Just Mercy is based on the story of lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his fight for justice.

A synopsis shared by Warner Bros reads: “A powerful and thought-provoking true story, Just Mercy follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Larson).

“One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian (Foxx), who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie.

“In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political manoeuvrings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.”

Just Mercy was released in January 2020. The Independent gave it a four-star review, praising it as ”steady and clear-headed, safe in the knowledge that truth is the ultimate humaniser”.