Beyond Ed Buck is a documentary film that examines the disturbing case of Ed Buck, a wealthy Democratic donor who was accused of injecting young gay black men with methamphetamine and sexually assaulting them in his West Hollywood apartment. The film charts Buck's rise to power in the Democratic party, his relationships with politicians and community leaders, and the systemic failures that allowed him to continue his predatory behavior for years.
The filmmakers also explore the psychological and social factors that contributed to Buck's behavior, including his history of drug addiction, his internalized homophobia, and his fetishization of black men. Interviews with Buck's victims and their families, as well as with legal experts and activists, provide a wrenching and often infuriating account of how Buck's actions were enabled and normalized by a culture of silence and complicity.
Beyond Ed Buck also delves into the larger issues faced by the black and brown LGBTQ+ community, including the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and class, and the challenges of accessing healthcare, housing, and legal support. Ultimately, the film is a call to action, urging viewers to confront the institutionalized violence and discrimination that continues to plague marginalized communities, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.