Over four episodes, Steve James takes an unflinching look at the tumultuous political workings of Chicago. City So Real traverses a broad array of neighborhoods, parades, eateries, and living rooms. James positions the viewer in the midst of the trial of Jason Van Dyke, a Chicago police officer convicted for the murder of Laquan McDonald. He then takes us to the infamous halls of local government during a mayoral race and subsequent runoff election that leads to the victory of Lori Lightfoot, the city’s first openly gay and first African American woman mayor. City So Real is a true testament to the hard-working blue-collar attitude of the beloved Windy City.

Documentary

City So Real (2020) is now streaming with subscription on HULU