Movies that deal with the worst times in our history are often the most compelling, and it’s for this reason that films whose subject matter is the slave trade are eminently watchable.

Django Unchained was one such film, and 12 Years A Slave is another.

12 Years A Slave is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, who was born a free man and then deceived into becoming a slave. He then spends years being passed around among slave owners.

The cast is immense, with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, and Paul Dano all having leading roles. 12 Years A Slave is due for a limited release in the U.S. on 18 October.