"Silver Dollar Road" presents a captivating departure from director Raoul Peck's customary style. Recognized for his exploration of colonial history in masterpieces like "I Am Not Your Negro" and "Exterminate All the Brutes," Peck now adopts a more straightforward storytelling approach in his latest venture, making the narrative accessible even to those unfamiliar with the backdrop.

This documentary dives into the saga of the Reels family, Black inhabitants of Silver Dollar Road, a waterfront in North Carolina. The family's roots in the region date back to the era of slavery. Their ancestors found refuge on the less coveted terrains of the area, etching out a life of liberty. However, a land dispute arose in the 1970s following the passing of Elijah Reels, the family patriarch. Despite the family's conviction about their rightful claim, a relative named Uncle Sherrick used the principle of "adverse possession" to assert his ownership of the prime shoreline. Winning his case, he soon sold the land to Adams Creek Associates. The ensuing years saw the Reels embroiled in a legal struggle against powerful developers.

Inspired by Lizzie Presser's ProPublica/New Yorker piece, Peck delves into America's racially discriminatory property laws, the oppressive hand of its justice system against Black Americans, and the deep connection between land and identity. "Silver Dollar Road" beautifully blends celebration, lament, and documentation of this grievous historical misdeed.

The documentary derives its strength from familial bonds. Peck crafts a vivid family tree of the Reels throughout the film, illustrating their lineage. A simple yet impactful choice. In historical context, African families were fragmented upon arrival in America, their shared histories and oral traditions dispersed. Yet, the Reels' legacy remains anchored through three town graveyards. The film tenderly opens with the birthday of 95-year-old Gertrude Reels, a beacon of resilience and memory, evoking tales of the land's former vibrancy.

Her daughter, Mamie Ellison, recalls a serene and enchanting Silver Dollar Road. Vintage photographs transport viewers to a time of joyous gatherings and innocence. Throughout, Peck gives voice to various family members, particularly spotlighting Gertrude’s sons, Melvin and Licurtis. Both, after years-long legal confrontations, faced eviction from their ancestral homes, eventually being imprisoned for trespassing, a minor charge turned major penalty.

The narrative of "Silver Dollar Road" echoes the sentiments of Garrett Bradley's "Time," shedding light on the disproportionate injustices Black individuals face in the judicial system. Each year added to the Reels brothers' incarceration amplifies the anguish of missed family moments.

The Reels family, in their testimonials, prioritize emotional and oral histories over legal intricacies. There's an evident struggle even among their early lawyers to convey how the law has been weaponized against them. An exploration into the specifics of these manipulative legalities would have enriched the narrative.

Yet, the Reels' fight is emblematic of a larger issue. Over the past century, nearly 90% of Black Americans have been dispossessed of their agricultural land, further highlighting systemic racism. Peck draws parallels between Silver Dollar Road and neighboring white-dominated areas, emphasizing the creation of separate beaches for Black communities due to segregation.

One of the most poignant moments is a video by Gertrude capturing white developers trespassing. Despite its shaky quality, the footage encapsulates the family's murky legal battles. Gertrude's bold confrontation, calling out the invaders' motives rooted in racism, is a testament to their resilience.

In the documentary's final segment, Peck embraces a more immersive style, documenting community interactions, songs, and celebrations. While "Silver Dollar Road" may not surpass the brilliance of "Exterminate All the Brutes," it undeniably stands as a potent testament to the enduring spirit of Black communities amidst adversity.