The Family I Had

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Ernest R This film hits hard and any parent, male or female, can't imagine how this could tax your brain 17 years later; as a dad I get it. There is another similar movie starring Tilda Swindon called "We need to talk about Kevin" is fictional but leaves you feeling hopeless, like in end of "Eden Lake". Keep your family close, then keep your family closer. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/22/25 Full Review Oaklee D An interesting documentary about a more then confronting subject and the impact on the people left behind. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/31/24 Full Review Kerry S A family and son who did nothing to prevent this murder. The movie tries to make the viewer empathize with them when they are to blame. Poor Ella. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 08/21/23 Full Review blue c A third of the way through the tears came and didn't stop. This is a profoundly sad story about people surviving an unbearable tragedy and trying to keep loving the perpetrator. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/12/23 Full Review Adam L Bad Mom. Sad story all around. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 03/16/23 Full Review Audience Member The Family I Had (2017), a documentary film by Katie Green and Carlye Rubin, explores a true crime story and its profound implications for the victim, the victim's family, and the perpetrator. It shines a light on the juvenile justice system, and mental illness. Green and Rubin have woven together many visual elements to create a compelling film where murder meets misery, anguish, heartbreak, and redemption. The documentary is well-crafted making use of diverse angle shots, editing techniques, first person interviews, third-person interviews, archival footage, archival news footage, still photography, animated stills, voice-over, and incorporates footage shot over several years to create a compelling and powerful film about the loss of family due to an egregious crime, and recounts the suffering and pain of a brave, courageous, candid and grieving mother. Green and Rubin have juxtaposed the narrative of the crime with its aftermath of destruction against the backstory of the victim, the perpetrator, and mother of the victim creating dramatic tension that moves the film. Some scenes were not only difficult to watch but heart wrenching including the recreation of the crime itself, and the mother of the victim listening to the 911 call. It's a balanced documentary for the filmmakers explore the crime from the perspective of the mother of the victim, the grandmother of the victim, and the perpetrator, and how it has affected and shaped their lives. The documentary resonated with me on many levels. I could relate to the anguish when I learned on two separate occasions that a former classmate and a work colleague were brutally murdered. The documentary reminded me of the impermanence of life and how acting on a bad thought can lead to irreparable harm and personal devastation. The film raises many interesting questions about the juvenile justice system. Did the reprehensible nature of the crime create undue bias and influence the judge and jury in the sentencing? The sentence appears excessive given that the perpetrator was a teen when he committed the egregious act. Most importantly, is the perpetrator best served without proper emotional and mental health counselling and rehabilitation? The directors have succeeded in creating an intimate portrait of a family torn asunder by murder and depicted its aftermath of destruction. It is well-written, edited and directed and deserving of your attention. The documentary has tremendous educational value and in my opinion, can serve as a vehicle to promote social change and understanding. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Family I Had

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