The legal drama Just Mercy, based on the autobiography of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, has quickly become a cultural phenomenon in 2020. And with good reason–the film does more than just show how far America has come in the field of equal access to justice, it also makes a powerful argument for why there is still work to do. For many viewers, Just Mercy has been an eye-opening experience, highlighting issues of racial injustice and systemic inequity.

But beyond being a sobering window into the issues plaguing our legal system, Just Mercy offers several positive benefits as well. Chief among them is the introduction of Bryan Stevenson to larger mainstream audiences. Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, has devoted his life and work to challenging the death penalty, seeking relief forup those serving disproportionately long sentences, and working towards a criminal justice system based on fairness and justice. Just Mercy is a great way for people to get to know this important figure, understand his work, and his life-long commitment to fighting for social justice.

In addition to introducing audiences to Bryan Stevenson and his work, Just Mercy also shines a positive light on bolstering the work of legal aid and criminal justice reform. Audiences are encouraged to use their influence and privilege to help others gain access to adequate legal representation. This can range from give to grassroots legal aid groups, volunteering at a public defender’s office, or even donating to organizations like the Equal Justice Initiative.

Moreover, Just Mercy also offers a lesson in empathy. The film does a great job of showing how the prison system, poverty, and inadequate mental health care contributes to the rate of incarceration for people of color, and how the stigma of a criminal conviction can have a ripple effect, filtering down to families and generations. Just Mercy encourages its viewers to recognize and understand the effects of our deeply flawed legal system, to consider all sides of difficult issues, and to extend compassion—even to those who have made terrible mistakes.

Ultimately, Just Mercy is an important film for everyone to watch in order to understand the need for legal reform. Bryan Stevenson’s work and his insights into America’s broken system of justice offer us a way forward. By showing how even one person can have a dramatic impact, the film challenges us all to use our privilege and our positions of influence to work toward a fairer and juster world.