The Alabama Solution (2025): Ratings
The Alabama Solution is a 2025 documentary directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman. It runs 1 hour 57 minutes. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 90 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 57m (117 min)
- Directors
- Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- HBO Documentary Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Alabama Solution About?
The premise of The Alabama Solution without spoilers.
Filmmakers enter an Alabama prison in 2019 to film a revival meeting, but inmates whisper of hidden dangers. Over six years they investigate the prison’s reality, using contraband cell‑phone footage to expose a suspicious death and systemic corruption. The real‑time narrative reveals violence, a collapsing system and prisoners’ resistance.
The Director of The Alabama Solution
Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman.
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Co-director Andrew Jarecki - Co-director Charlotte Kaufman
More from Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman
More films directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, best-rated first: Capturing the Friedmans and All Good Things.
The Alabama Solution Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Alabama Solution 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 90 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 93/100, strongest in story & flow (94) and weakest in sensory experience (85).
The Alabama Solution Echo Score Breakdown
The Alabama Solution is a compelling documentary whose strength lies in its cohesive assembly of varied footage and voices to illuminate systemic injustice. Critics highlight the film's skillful weaving of multiple storytelling strands, the emotional resonance of survivor testimony, and its urgent call for reform. While the sensory elements are solid and the work invites repeat viewings, the overall impact remains consistently powerful across all dimensions, resulting in a high overall rating.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of art and craft, reviewers note the film’s adept editing that threads many strands into a unified narrative. The combination of amateur and professional filmmaking techniques is praised for creating a polished, purposeful structure. This disciplined construction supports the documentary’s message without sacrificing visual clarity, leading to a strong assessment of its technical execution.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, critics emphasize the resonance of firsthand accounts from incarcerated individuals. The testimonies are described as powerful and authentic, fostering a deep emotional connection. Although the film focuses on collective voices rather than traditional acting, the portrayed experiences convey nuanced humanity, earning a high score for emotional impact.
- Story & Flow 94
Regarding story and flow, the documentary is lauded for its coherent presentation of complex prison‑system issues. Reviewers commend the measured pacing that balances investigative depth with narrative clarity. The originality of merging diverse footage types is highlighted as engaging, and the resulting structure sustains audience interest throughout, reflecting an exemplary storytelling approach.
- Sensory Experience 85
In sensory experience, the film’s use of real footage and a restrained soundtrack is noted as effective. Critics mention the visual authenticity that grounds the narrative, while the sound design supports rather than overwhelms the content. Though not described as groundbreaking, the sensory elements are competent and reinforce the documentary’s tone.
- Rewatch Factor 88
For rewatch factor, reviewers suggest the documentary maintains relevance beyond a single viewing due to its investigative depth and enduring social relevance. The layered information and persistent call for change encourage repeated engagement. While some may revisit for updated context, the overall lasting appeal is strong, supporting a solid rewatch rating.
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IMDb 7.8 /10
6697 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 92%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 90 Metascore
User score 7.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.2 /5
40725 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Alabama Solution Awards & Nominations
The Alabama Solution was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.
2 nominations2 ceremonies
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PGA Awards 2026 1 nomination- Nominated Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures
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Oscars 2026 1 nomination- Nominated Best Documentary Feature Film
The Alabama Solution Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Alabama Solution.
The Alabama Solution Also Known As
Also known as “Alabama: Presos do Sistema”.
- Also known as
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- Alabama: Presos do Sistema
Seen The Alabama Solution?
The Alabama Solution FAQ: Awards, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Alabama Solution, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Alabama Solution?
The Alabama Solution runs 1 hour 57 minutes (117 minutes).
When was The Alabama Solution released?
The Alabama Solution was released on October 3, 2025.
Who directed The Alabama Solution?
The Alabama Solution was directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman.
More films by Andrew Jarecki How is The Alabama Solution rated?
The Alabama Solution has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 90 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.
Was The Alabama Solution nominated for any awards?
The Alabama Solution received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.
Does The Alabama Solution have a post-credit scene?
No. The Alabama Solution has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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