The Waiting Room-2012

Director Peter Nicks

Scott’s Review #59

Reviewed June 23, 2014

Grade: B+

The Waiting Room (2012) is an interesting documentary that takes the viewer on a day in the life of a shift in a very busy public hospital in a poor section of Oakland, California.

Most of the patients are uninsured, low-paid, or unemployed workers who are sick and in need of medications and treatment, and in some cases quite ill.

The documentary balances the perspectives of both the patients and the weary hospital staff, who strive to prioritize cases and treat everyone, which is not easy due to overcrowding and underfunding.

I found the documentary fascinating and felt like an observer during a chaotic yet everyday experience in the busy, stressful Emergency Room.

The situations that arise are heartbreaking, and the staff does their best to accommodate each patient, but tragedy often ensues or tempers flare due to frustration.

It speaks volumes about the shameless world of United States insurance company profits and selfishness at the cost of human lives and patient suffering.

Sadly, The Waiting Room (2012) was overlooked by the Academy Awards but did receive an Independent Spirit nomination.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Documentary Feature, Truer Than Fiction Award (won)