The story is fascinating, but the execution is lacking. Despite the filmmakers' attempts to market and portray the film as a thriller, it misses the mark. (SPOILER) The only "violence" committed by Cobb and Dutton is antagonistic speech intended to provoke reaction.
Whether unwittingly or not, the filmmakers almost help the viewer empathize more with the supremacists than the townpeople, because more film time is dedicated to the supremacists' reflections. Personal hateful behavior is displayed more thoroughly on the townpeople's side -- (SPOILERS) the gathering of angry mobs verbally berating the supremacist newcomers, the burning of supremacists' homes.
The film leaves you feeling a profound sense of dissatisfaction. Cobb doesn't get the justice the townspeople think he deserves. The viewer is left unsure as to what the proper amount of justice would be, who is the true victim, and which group has a worse mob mentality. WELCOME TO LEITH is thought-provoking as a documentary but not the fast-paced thriller it was hyped to be.
Whether unwittingly or not, the filmmakers almost help the viewer empathize more with the supremacists than the townpeople, because more film time is dedicated to the supremacists' reflections. Personal hateful behavior is displayed more thoroughly on the townpeople's side -- (SPOILERS) the gathering of angry mobs verbally berating the supremacist newcomers, the burning of supremacists' homes.
The film leaves you feeling a profound sense of dissatisfaction. Cobb doesn't get the justice the townspeople think he deserves. The viewer is left unsure as to what the proper amount of justice would be, who is the true victim, and which group has a worse mob mentality. WELCOME TO LEITH is thought-provoking as a documentary but not the fast-paced thriller it was hyped to be.