Director Steve McQueen's new film 12 Years a Slave caused some viewers to walk out due to its violent scenes of torture at the Toronto Film Festival.
12 Years a Slave is a true story about a free musician, Solomon Northup, who is kidnapped and sold back into slavery. The film is based in 1841 and is an adaptation of Northup's memoirs, giving details of the violence and torture he went through. Actor Chiwetel Ejiofer plays Northup.
Scenes showing slaves being beaten, hanged, tortured, and killed, caused some audience viewers to walk out, while those who stayed gave it a 10-minute standing ovation. The films all-star cast includes Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfre Woodard, and Brad Pitt, who also worked as a producer.
12 Years a Slave is already receiving Oscar buzz and is a front-runner for best picture. Critics are giving it great acclaim, comparing it to Schindler's List.
"I really feel it's a masterwork," Fassbender told USA Today. "I just felt so proud to be a part of it.
The film will be opening in select theaters in October.
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