Trouble the Water is a fascinating and multi-faceted film about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The film intercuts footage taken during the storm by Kimberly Rivers Roberts with the story of their attempt to return to normal life after the storm. Rivers Roberts and her husband, Scott, did not evacuate and shot some amazing footage of the rising water. Their efforts after the storm speak to how poorly the local and federal governments handled the tragedy. Focusing on the personal stories of Kim and Scott and their friends and family makes Trouble the Water engaging as we watch people with difficult pasts pull together to become heroes and survivors.

As with the best documentaries, Trouble the Water transcends their personal stories. Trouble the Water is as much about poverty, racism, and the role of the government as it is about these specific individuals. Trouble the Water is an intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging film.