Netflix says: Documentarian Marc Singer trains his camera on a group of homeless people who live in an abandoned New York City railroad tunnel. At night, they retreat underground, where they have a sense of community that many surface dwellers would envy.
Matt says: “Dark Days” not only is a fascinating documentary about a city of homeless that live in the Amtrak tunnels of Penn Station, it is also a representation of a change of times. The film explores a shanty down that existed deep in the darkest recesses of the tunnels. Industrious homeless not only found solstice from the harsh streets there, but took it to the next level by wiring electricity, setting up running water, and by building plywood homes. By the time Singer chooses to film it, the running water is gone, but the small town is still highly populated and wired with juice. He focuses on a few of the more entertaining (and less drug addicted) of the individuals. Crack is a big problem, and though they are still trapped between worlds, a few of the people rose above it. When Amtrak finally decides to out the homeless for liability issues, local homeless organizations help with the transition and the result is inspiring. The reason I say it represents the times is that this was released in 2000, a year before the beginning of a post 9/11 NY. After the twin tower disaster, more than ever a place like this could not exist. Much like “Give Me Shelter” ushered in a new public awareness in the 70s, “Dark Days” seems to do the same by ushering in the end of freedom in a post 9/11 US. I would say that, in the year 2000, seeing this would be a pretty typical documentary experience. But, seeing it now twelve years later makes it feel that much more powerful. 4 stars.
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