PFF23 Review – The Overnighters

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A third act revelation either enhances or compromises the unique documentary The Overnighters–see it and decide. Pastor Jay Reinke opens his church and even his own home, to eventually thousands of migrant job-seekers, including some with criminal records, in the oil-boom North Dakota town of Williston. Reinke’s the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back and his cornball ways, if anything, add to his picture of sincerity. When he goes up against a town of resisters, it’s easy to root for him and reflect on his selfless altruism. Then the film sends you home scratching your head, the heroic deeds suddenly overshadowed. Or are they?

(3.5 out of 5 stars)