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Research shows that films have the power to foster deeper understanding and compassion for people who are different from us.

Photo by Daniel Guerra on Unsplash

In a study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Stanford psychologists explored how films that dramatize real events can influence empathy.

While most people don’t want the innocent to go to jail, public support for criminal justice reform often struggles to gain traction. One reason for this is the negative perception of incarcerated people. For many, it’s not an issue that feels personally relevant, better to keep it out of sight and out of mind. So, researchers asked: Could stories help raise awareness and change how people view those in the prison system?

Participants in the study watched the 2019 film, Just Mercy, which follows the story of Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer played by Michael B. Jordan. Stevenson fights racial injustice within the criminal justice system as he works to free wrongly convicted inmates on death row. Based on real events, the film emphasizes the humanity of those behind bars, especially Stevenson’s client Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx. The audience peers through a window into another world, one where people are often overlooked or dismissed by society.

Researchers found that after viewing the film, participants in the study gained a stronger emotional understanding of the struggles faced by those in prison. This led to a measurable increase in compassion and a reduction in social stigma. Compared to a control group, those who saw the film demonstrated more empathy toward those who had served time in prison and were more likely to support criminal justice reform. The study’s results were consistent across different racial groups and political affiliations.

“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” –Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy

The research demonstrates how storytelling can humanize complex issues, helping viewers emotionally connect with people they might otherwise judge. This suggests that film — particularly those based on real-life experiences — can be a powerful tool in shifting societal attitudes and fostering inclusivity.

Perhaps we’re all guilty, to some extent, of locking our minds into fixed beliefs. The next time you’re choosing something to watch, consider a docudrama. Films like PhiladelphiaThe Pursuit of HappynessSchindler’s List, and Dallas Buyers Club not only highlight important social issues but also give us the opportunity to see the world through a different lens. By opening ourselves to new perspectives, we might just free our minds in the process.

The study, Film intervention increases empathic understanding of formerly incarcerated people and support for criminal justice reform, published October 21, 2024, was authored by Marianne C. Reddan, Sydney B. Garcia, Golijeh Golarai and Jamil Zaki.