Elegance Bratton’s acclaimed 2022 debut feature, The Inspection, takes inspiration from his personal experiences as a marine. The story centers on Ellis French (Jeremy Pope), a homeless young man eager to turn his life around by enlisting in the Marines.
His aspiration to reconcile with his estranged mother (Gabrielle Union) is challenged by the hostile environment of boot camp, where his sexuality makes him a target for both his ruthless drill instructor Leland Laws (Bokeem Woodbine) and homophobic recruits. Through intense trials, Ellis embarks on a journey to prove his worth and discover life-changing inner strength.
Bonds of friendship form as two recruits face prejudice and isolation together (Photo: The Inspection/A24 Gamechanger Films)The film’s deeply personal connection to Bratton infuses it with authenticity and emotional depth. Jeremy Pope’s performance powerfully conveys Ellis’ struggles, leaving audiences moved by scenes of heartbreak and stunned by the raw intensity of the boot camp sequences.
As one of 2022’s standout films, it sets a promising stage for Bratton and Pope’s future work. The film’s climax is a testament to Ellis’ courage as he confronts his fears and finds peace within himself.
Facing Hostility and Overcoming Doubts
After Ellis’ sexuality is suspected, his drill instructor Leland and fellow recruit Harvey (McCaul Lombardi) subject him to relentless harassment. The abuse ranges from physical assaults during showers to near-drowning in training exercises.
Leland’s cruel tactics are so extreme that they begin to concern instructor Rosales (Raúl Castillo), the only figure offering Ellis a semblance of kindness.
Rosales, displaying rare empathy, helps Ellis regain confidence by encouraging him to open up. In an emotional exchange, Ellis admits his desire to become a Marine stems from a need for purpose and the hope of being valued—even if it means sacrificing his life in uniform.
This heartfelt confession marks a turning point in Ellis’ journey toward self-acceptance and his efforts to earn respect, especially from his mother.
Shared Struggles Forge Unlikely Bonds
Ellis’ path is intertwined with that of Ismail (Eman Esfandi), another recruit who faces prejudice, albeit for his Muslim faith rather than his sexuality.
Ismail endures exclusion and is often targeted during group exercises, with Leland and Brooks (Nicholas Logan) mocking his beliefs. Forced to attend Catholic services and endure ridicule, Ismail reaches his breaking point.
Ellis provides comfort, strengthening the bond they share as outsiders in a hostile environment. This connection highlights their mutual resilience in preserving their identities against an institution determined to strip them away. Together, they find strength in their shared struggle, underscoring the importance of solidarity in adversity.
A Toxic Legacy of War and Bias
Set against the backdrop of a post-9/11 world, Leland’s behavior is shaped by his traumatic experiences during Operation Desert Storm. His bitterness and loss manifest in the brutal treatment of recruits, whom he aims to harden into “monsters.” For Leland, Ellis’ sexuality represents weakness, and Ismail’s faith evokes memories of past enemies, fueling his bigotry.
Leland’s actions expose the systemic prejudice rooted in fear and ignorance. His labeling of Ismail as “Osama” exemplifies the film’s portrayal of the discriminatory attitudes that persist in such environments. The hostility Ellis and Ismail face reflects the larger societal issues of homophobia and Islamophobia.
Guidance Through Compassion
Rosales stands in stark contrast to Leland, offering Ellis guidance and support. While maintaining his authority, Rosales connects with Ellis on a personal level, helping him pass challenges through honest conversations. His advice provides Ellis with the strength to persevere and redefine his sense of purpose.
Rosales’ role extends beyond mere mentorship; his encouragement helps Ellis confront his fears and channel his pain into growth. His leadership fosters a sense of unity among the recruits, eventually empowering them to resist Leland’s oppressive methods.
A Test of Integrity
A crucial moment arises during a shooting test when Leland conspires with Harvey to sabotage Ellis’ progress. Despite Ellis’ success, Harvey falsifies the results, threatening to derail his journey.
A gripping story of hope and transformation emerges from the shadows of boot camp (Photo: The Inspection/A24 Gamechanger Films)Ismail, however, courageously exposes the deceit, prompting other recruits to confirm the truth. This act of defiance cements the bond between Ellis and Ismail while showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
Earning Respect Through Transformation
During a retreat preceding the final inspection, Ellis demonstrates newfound confidence. His participation in physical challenges and his victory over Harvey in combat illustrate his growth.
By embracing his identity and overcoming obstacles, Ellis earns the respect of his peers. His assignment as a filmmaker at the end reflects Bratton’s own journey, tying the story to its real-life inspiration.
Understanding Identity Within Limits
Ellis’ romantic feelings for Rosales lead to an awkward encounter during the retreat, resulting in rejection. While Rosales maintains their camaraderie, the incident underscores the challenges Ellis faces in expressing his identity.
Rosales advises Ellis on how to survive life as a gay Marine, emphasizing the importance of courage while cautioning him to avoid drawing attention to his sexuality. Although this advice is difficult for Ellis to accept, it reflects the harsh reality of maintaining individuality in an unaccepting environment.
