(CNN) -- The image of Solomon Northup's body hanging from a tree -- noose around his neck, hands tied behind his back, feet barely touching the ground -- is uncomfortable to look at. And Steve McQueen, director of "12 Years a Slave," does not spare the audience with an expedient exit. There is no overbearing soundtrack to drown out the sound of him gasping for air. For what feels like an eternity, McQueen makes us watch. He makes us listen. He makes us know the truth about slavery in a way no Hollywood film in recent memory has. The beatings are not brief. Christianity is not spared. There are no scenes of white heroes racing against time to save him or undo the injustice that is being done.
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LZ Granderson: "12 Years a Slave" deserves praises for its unflinching portrayal
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Granderson: Even though it's a contender for Oscars, it hasn't attracted many viewers
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He says many people may not be ready to see a movie about our ugly past
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Granderson: "12 Years" deserves best picture for sure, but who will see it?
There is a chance that could change, because historically, there is a surge in interest in movies that are @placeholder darlings.