This documentary, lovingly shot by directors Jason B. Kohl and Nora Mandray, who also was the cinematographer, was viewed by my family at the Traverse City Film Festival yesterday. It is a simple story that follows three prisoners incarcerated in Michigan who take on the job of training Eli, a lovable but rambunctious Labrador puppy, into a disciplined helper dog. They have almost a year to complete the task which requires the three men to attend to the puppy 24/7. Along the way they, as well as Eli, learn life lessons. There are the requisite "adorable" shots but in the end the most impactful aspects of the film are the men and the changes that occur in them.
All three men are in prison for crimes involving human death and such crimes are, in Michigan, heavily penalized with little leeway for mercy. The fact that at the end of Eli's training two of the men, who demonstrate sorrow for their actions and an understanding of the harm they have caused, still have many years to serve is frustrating in that our prison system shows little flexibility and mercy. Their children are growing up without them and one wonders if that will not perpetrate more brokenness. (and, "Yes", I realize the people whose death they caused also face similar issues.) The answer is not easy.
Director Kohl was at the film's showing, as was Eli and his family (so "NO" the dog does not die at the end of the story). As he answered questions in the Q&A you could sense Kohl's concern and compassion for the men involved and our broken prison system. "Eli" is available on some streaming services. If you love dogs (and humans) this is a must-see.
