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Murders That Matter

Murders That Matter

Representation Score

9.2/10

Excellent

2023

TV-14

Director

Marco Williams

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Murders That Matter succeeds by centering a underrepresented identity—a Black Muslim woman—and giving her complete narrative ability to act. The film avoids framing its subject solely through suffering, instead documenting a five-year journey of reclaiming power. By using a longitudinal structure, the documentary explores how personal trauma intersects with systemic issues like gun violence. It prioritizes the lived experiences of communities often sidelined in mainstream discussions of violence. While the film lacks LGBTQ+ representation, its strength lies in its nuanced exploration of racial, religious, and psychological intersections.

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Category Breakdown

Does Murders That Matter have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The narrative focuses on racial and religious identity.

How does Murders That Matter portray gender?

Good

The documentary centers around a woman's transformation from victim to leader. Johnson-Harrell is shown taking a leading role in driving social change, rather than just experiencing trauma.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Murders That Matter?

Excellent

This film offers a deep exploration of the African American experience. It goes beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to examine identity, survival, and resilience within Black communities.

How does Murders That Matter represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story provides a sophisticated look at how different aspects of identity intersect. It highlights the protagonist's Muslim faith within a Black American context to critique systemic issues.

Does Murders That Matter include disability representation?

Good

The film depicts the ongoing management of mental health and grief. It avoids simplified recovery arcs, focusing instead on the complex reality of psychological trauma.

Present on Screen

  • Provides high-depth, nuanced representation of the African American experience and community resilience.
  • Centers a Black Muslim woman as a proactive leader rather than a passive victim.
  • Offers a sophisticated portrayal of how different aspects of identity intersect through religious and racial lenses.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit representation or themes regarding the LGBTQ+ community.

Official Synopsis

How would you handle the trauma of losing a loved one? Murders That Matter documents African American Muslim mother Movita Johnson-Harrell over five years as she transforms from a victim of violent trauma into a fierce advocate against gun violence in Black communities.

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