Review of A Thousand and One

I've read multiple reviews of this movie and critics seem to miss the underlying theme which makes this movie a must see. First of all, the acting is amazing and the story will pull at your heart strings as it provides a gritty inside look at the struggles of a young single mom trying to survive in society. However, it's the subtle hints about stereotyping, false assumptions and prejudice that makes this movie question your views of society. The story is purposefully vague when it comes to describing the characters background and dares you to draw your own conclusions. From the very beginning you find yourself passing judgement on all the characters and their life choices. You are reminded of societal impressions of police, the foster system, race stereotypes, relationship stereotypes and how they affect our judgement. In the end when the plot twist is revealed, you become overwhelmed by emotion of the gripping story but also begin to question your own judgement of all the characters as you reassess your assumptions. Kudos to the writers, director and actors. This movie says a lot about our society.