Confronting a complicated history can be tough, uncomfortable, and even mortifying—a challenge for individuals and communities alike. That’s certainly the case in Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River. This city of around 14,000 is grappling with how to define itself as it celebrates its heritage while also acknowledging a past marked by both impressive beauty and severe injustice. Suzannah Herbert's documentary manages to offer a fair look at this community, which takes pride in its grand architecture and gardens—hallmarks of the Old South that draw tourists—but has also had to confront the troubling origins of that lifestyle, built on the labor of enslaved Black people working cotton fields. Some residents like to think Natchez represents a “New South,” embracing racial equality within a predominantly conservative state. However, others are hesitant to acknowledge (or even discuss) how those traditions developed and nearly disappeared during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. This difficult history has put Natchez in a position of needing to reconcile these conflicting aspects as it tries to shape its future. In an era when “cancel culture” is prevalent, questions arise: Is it still appropriate for historical site guides to dress in period clothing and showcase elaborate homes, or would it be better to simply forget those elements? Could they serve as important reminders of a dark past, preventing us from overlooking the atrocities and inequalities that occurred? Or can there be a way forward that allows everyone to heal from past traumas? The film attempts to address these complex questions with considerable skill, revealing both the beauty and ugliness that define Natchez, alongside current efforts to guide the city toward a better future. The cinematography is visually striking, evoking dreamlike imagery reminiscent of “Gone with the Wind” (1939), accompanied by an equally lovely original score. Interviews with residents offer diverse perspectives on these issues, presented in a balanced and honest way. "Natchez" rightfully earned recognition as one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2025 from the National Board of Review and will be broadcast nationally on PBS after its theatrical release. It requires bravery to face difficult truths, and while there’s still work to do, Natchez seems to be making progress with increasing openness and a willingness to acknowledge—but not erase—its legacy.

Source on TMDB