We’re just a few weeks away from the debut of what’s shaping up to be my favorite film of the year, Steve McQueen‘s 12 Years a Slave. Based on his own account, the drama follows the harrowing, true journey of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who was a free man sold into slavery in 1841. In our review we said the director has “brought America’s most shameful period to the screen with a fury and authenticity the likes of which audiences have never seen.”
The first clip from the film has now been unveiled, which showcases a flashback to Northup and his family living peacefully in Saratoga Springs, NY. As they enter a store to make a purchase, they get a reminder of the horrible slavery occurring in the country. One can also briefly spot Beasts of the Southern Wild star Quvenzhané Wallis as Northup’s daughter. Check out the clip and new photos via Huffington Post/Vulture in the post and head over to the official site for more images and details.
12 Years a Slave opens on October 18th.