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Devoid of the tricks and gimmicks that so many documentaries use these days, Beyond Hatred feels honest and real.

Some movies are hard to watch.  Beyond Hatred is one of those films.  Not because it’s overly gory or perversely sexual but the subject is so bleak and troubling. Beyond Hatred is troubling look at how hatred can destroy a family and how they try to recover from a terrible loss.  Director Olivier Meyrou does an amazing job on this film not by shows lots of courtroom theatrics and sensationalist flashbacks but by just setting up the camera and letting the Chenu family tell their story.

On September 13, 2002, Francois Chenu was attacked by three skinheads at Leo LaGrang Park in Rheims, France.  After severely beating him, the men dumped his body in a pond thinking he was dead.  When his body was found, his sister could barely identify the body he was so badly beaten.  The men were arrest and their motive was because Francois was gay and they hated gays. 

The movie picks up 730 days after the murder and follows the Chenu family as they try to deal with the death of the son and brother in the days leading up to the trial.  Director Meyrou doesn’t do gimmicks to capture the audience’s attention; instead he allows the story to unfold and lets the stark nature of the subject matter do all the talking.  You never see the accused men and only hear what the Chenu family thinks and feel.  It’s heartbreaking and disturbing.

The family tries to piece together what Francois’s final moments were like and what was said.  Being outspoken and openly gay, Francois must have been an easy target for the skinheads where looking for something to destroy after their failed attempt and bashing an Arab.  We spend most of the time following his parents and sister as well as the legal teams on both sides.  It’s an interesting look into the French legal system and how lawyers try to twist the facts to fit their case that all leads to an unforgettable conclusion.

Beyond Hatred will stay with you long after the film ends. First Run Features has included trailers for several of their other films but failed to include anything else.  The film speaks for itself so I can’t imagine much being added in the way of bonus material.  Meyrou does a tremendous job with film and places the camera in a way that makes you feel like you’re a part of the movie.  It’s an emotionally draining film that will leave a strong impression on you.  Devoid of the tricks and gimmicks that so many documentaries use these days, Beyond Hatred feels honest and real.

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