Roads of Fire (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

Imagine having to travel through the most dangerous parts of your country in order to find solace from the threats that already promise to hurt you and your family. Every year an unprecedented number of people seek asylum in New York City. Roads of Fire tells their story. 

The road to a better future is a dangerous one, as effectively displayed by Director Nathaniel Lezra and his team. From the opening seconds, as text first appears on screen to express the challenges that would be depicted throughout the course of Roads of Fire, it’s made clear how dangerous the lives are of those featured in this documentary. With that information viewers are able to better appreciate the work that the team of cinematographers had to put in in order to find success here. I was most impressed by this aspect of the film, as it became immersive and constantly reminded me of the tragedy faced by those featured individuals, but also the danger that they are willing to face in order to find a better life for themselves and their families. Cinematography isn’t often at the forefront of a documentary’s success, but Roads of Fire snubs that stereotype and presents viewers with something both raw and vibrant in a way that connects deeply with them. 

Beyond this aspect of Roads of Fire, I found myself, once again, struggling with the sentiments presented to viewers throughout–and, furthermore, I was often bored by the film. Roads of Fire, like most other documentaries these days, feels like an endless cycle of the same from start to finish. The story of a major struggle, a potential for change…recycle, repeat. 

Roads of Fire falls into the category of “been there, done that” in terms of its style. While the cinematography works far better than most documentaries, Roads of Fire lacks energy and gusto, while lacking a true appeal to emotion as a result of its redundancy. 

Directed by Nathaniel Lezra. 

5.5/10 = WORTH WATCHING, BUT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED