Director Steve McQueen’s moving historical drama 12 Years a Slave is undoubtedly one of the best films of the year, and we here at Collider are happy to debut six new images from the film.  Based on Solomon Northup’s autobiography of the same name, the true story chronicles Northup’s twelve-year journey as an educated and married free man from New York who was abducted in 1841 and forced into slavery for over a decade.  Buoyed by tremendous performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong’O and masterful direction from McQueen, 12 Years a Slave is one of the most powerful moviegoing experiences I’ve ever had.  This film is essential viewing.

Hit the jump to take a look at the new images, which also behind-the-scenes looks at McQueen on set, and click here to read Matt’s review from the Toronto International Film Festival.  The film also stars Benedict CumberbatchPaul GiamattiQuvenzhane WallisSarah PaulsonPaul DanoScoot McNairy, Taran KillamGarrett DillahuntAlfre WoodardDwight Henry, Michael Kenneth Williams, Chris Chalk, and Brad Pitt.  12 Years a Slave opens in limited release this Friday, October 18th and expands wide on November 1st.

Click on any image for high-resolution.

 

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Image via Fox Searchlight

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Image via Fox Searchlight

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Image via Fox Searchlight

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Image via Fox Searchlight

Here’s the official synopsis for 12 Years a Slave:

12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom.  In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.  Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.  In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.