In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
Acting
Ejiofor's eyes do what dialogue cannot.
Direction
McQueen's unbroken shots refuse to let you look away.
Cinematography
Sunlight on Spanish moss has never felt this cruel.
Director
Steve McQueen
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Solomon Northup
Michael Fassbender
Edwin Epps
Lupita Nyong'o
Patsey
Benedict Cumberbatch
William Ford
Paul Dano
John Tibeats
Sarah Paulson
Mary Epps
Adepero Oduye
Eliza
Scoot McNairy
Brown
Paul Giamatti
Theophilus Freeman
Brad Pitt
Samuel Bass
Michael Kenneth Williams
Robert
Alfre Woodard
Mistress Shaw
Chris Chalk
Clemens
Taran Killam
Hamilton
Bill Camp
Radburn
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Solomon Northup's memoir disappeared for decades; this film finally made his name household.
McQueen deliberately cast British actors as Americans to create distance — we're all implicated.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
