Small Axe (2020)

Overview

Directed by Steve McQueen, "Small Axe" breaks away from the traditional series format, presenting itself as an anthology-style production made up of five separate feature-length films. This BBC production depicts the life, struggle, and resistance of the West Indian community in London across a timeframe spanning the 1960s to the 1980s. While each episode offers a standalone story, all of them come together around a shared theme and spirit: resistance against discrimination, the search for identity, and the fight for social justice.

Cinematographer James Hillier plays a key role in shaping the production's aesthetic identity. The color palette reflecting the atmosphere of the era, the lighting choices, and the camera movements transport the viewer directly into the London of those years. McQueen's cinematic vision combines with Hillier's technical mastery to lay the groundwork for a narrative language that is powerful both historically and emotionally.

"Small Axe" takes its name from Bob Marley's song of the same title, and this choice is no coincidence; the metaphor of the small axe symbolizes small but determined resistance movements capable of felling great trees. The series presents the historical experiences of Caribbean-descended communities living in Britain from a perspective that, until then, had not been sufficiently addressed in mainstream media.

Plot

The series centers on the stories of West Indian immigrants living in London's Notting Hill neighborhood and their children. Each episode takes shape around a different character or event; sometimes struggles for justice inspired by real events come to the fore, sometimes individual quests for identity, and sometimes moments of communal solidarity.

While the narrative deals with heavy themes such as racism, police violence, and systemic discrimination, it conveys them not through a didactic tone but through the characters' everyday lives. The viewer encounters the many faces of this community across a wide spectrum, from courtrooms to street parties, from family conflicts to social movements. Although each story is complete in itself, they complement one another in reflecting the spirit of the era and the multilayered nature of the struggle experienced during those years.

Why Should You Watch It?

"Small Axe" is an important production for bringing to the screen a piece of recent social memory that has often been overlooked. Steve McQueen's directorial approach doesn't just inform the viewer—it also delivers a powerful emotional experience. The journey into the characters' inner worlds transforms the historical context from an abstract narrative into a concrete and humane story.

James Hillier's cinematography meticulously reflects period details while also intensifying the emotional weight of the scenes. The use of light, framing choices, and color tones add depth to the story's atmosphere. This technical mastery ensures that the viewer doesn't just watch a story but actually feels the era.

The performances are also one of the series' strengths. The characters' internal conflicts and the struggles they wage against social pressures are conveyed through realistic and compelling performances. In this respect, "Small Axe" offers viewers a dual value—both as a historical document and as a human drama.

Who Is It For?

This production is a valuable resource for viewers interested in social history, the immigrant experience, and questions of identity. It also offers a satisfying experience for those curious about cinematic storytelling techniques, period films, and the work of auteur directors. Those who follow Steve McQueen's previous work will find his characteristic style here as well.

Since it contains heavy and realistic themes, it may not be ideal for those seeking a light viewing experience. However, for viewers sensitive to social issues and open to thought-provoking, layered stories, "Small Axe" will prove to be a highly rewarding production.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Steve McQueen's strong directorial vision combined with James Hillier's striking visual language elevates the production to a superior aesthetic level.

2. It tells a little-known but important piece of social history with a sincere and humane perspective.

3. Each episode offering a self-contained story gives viewers different perspectives and makes the best possible use of the anthology format's advantages.

Cons:

1. The heavy themes and slow narrative pace may be challenging for those seeking fast-paced content.

2. The weak connection between episodes may diminish the sense of cohesion for some viewers.

Genre and Tone

"Small Axe" belongs to the historical drama genre while bearing the marks of the social realism movement. Tonally, it maintains a solemn, thought-provoking, and at times tense atmosphere. Yet alongside this weight, themes of social solidarity and hope are also given room, balancing out the narrative. McQueen's cinematic language skillfully combines documentary-style realism with emotional dramatic storytelling.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

Each episode runs approximately 60-70 minutes, offering a viewing experience close to that of a feature film. Made up of five episodes in total, the production presents each installment as its own cinematic experience, diverging from the conventional series format. For this reason, rather than binge-watching, taking time with each episode and reflecting on it provides a more rewarding experience.

Similar Productions

• 12 Years a Slave (2013)

• Widows (2018)

• I May Destroy You (2020)

• Top Boy (2011-2023)

• Roots (2016)

• Blinded by the Light (2019)

Final Assessment

"Small Axe" stands out as an original production, notable both for its cinematic quality and for the social significance of the stories it tells. Steve McQueen's directorial vision and James Hillier's visual contribution powerfully reflect the spirit of the era, offering viewers a rich experience both aesthetically and intellectually. For viewers interested in themes of social history, identity, and resistance, it stands out as a compelling and unforgettable production that must be watched.