Director Steve McQueen ('Hunger,' 'Shame') is ready to unleash his third film, '12 Years a Slave,' in theaters tomorrow, and you'll be able to see what critics are calling a spectacular, but hard-to-watch film. Just to give you a taste of what's in store, Fox Searchlight has released a batch of clips, showcasing its variety of acting talent.

'12 Years a Slave' takes its story from the memoirs of Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free African-American man living in the pre-Civil War upstate New York with his family. In a tragic turn, he's abducted and sold into slavery, where, as the title suggests, he remains for 12 years.

Ejiofor has emerged as a sure frontrunner for an Oscar, but as the latest footage previews, '12 Years a Slave' has many incredible and incredibly cruel performances by its cast. Michael Fassbender, who's been featured in all of McQueen's films so far, skillfully crafts a sadistic slave owner, while Lupita Nyong'o has risen to breakout star of the year for her portrayal of Patsey, Fassbender's favorite slave.

'12 Years a Slave' also stars the likes of Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sarah Paulson, and is sure to bring a tear or two to audiences. Preview the film in the above and below clips.

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