In 1998, James Byrd, Jr. was dragged to death in Jasper, TX. This racially motivated killing shook the country, reminding it of the anger that still lies just beneath the surface. Instead of following the story in a typical American-news-show fashion, experimental filmmaker Chantal Akerman slowly allows the story to unfold on its own. Long, panning shots set the state and create the world of Jasper. Patient interviews reveal the thoughts and emotions of the local townspeople. Akerman is granted amazing access to these people’s lives, including being allowed to film Byrd’s funeral, which allows her to tell the tale in a pensive and beautiful fashion.