Reviews

The main subject of the series, Jean, loses all credibility when she declares, "I killed her." Purely overstated drama that would be far better omitted. It puts to question all her statements, which depicts the importance of language, especially in light of such serious allegations: How many of her stories were exaggerated? None, some or all? It's difficult to know if you should be horrified for her or angry for diluting the veracity of sexual abuse victims. She was clearly abused, but to what extent? She has an enviably supportive family, and that can only be good. The loss of her devoted, soulful husband is truly sad.

Jean aside, it is clear that this scholastic institution did indeed have a hugely systemic environment of abuse and impropriety; and that a cover-up ensued. The story is enthralling and draws you into both its dramatic and quiet moments. You will not get the answers you seek, but the questions are satisfying enoigh.

This was a really hard one to rate as it's difficult to cut through the content, which is so disturbing. Whether preaching God or manhood, these parents completely lost the plot of life, which is our obligation to our children rather than some distorted obligation for them to validate us. Even the twins' mother, with her psychology background, over-thought and over-talked everything, completely ignorant of the fact that her kids have become numbed out -- ultimately, no better than the featured parents who are openly abusive to their children. Less than halfway in, I wondered how many of these kids would succumb to substance abuse or suicide. Ian's father was the only parent in whom I saw a glimmer of hope for redemption, but there seemed to be a decline towards the end. I did not find Coach Meier likable or sincere, but his words were correct -- this is abuse. Blaming a coach for your child's athletic "failure" (and Ian is far from a failure) teaches lack of personal responsibility, acceptance of reality and lack of acceptance of the child, no matter how they excel -- there is no pleasing these parents in the end. Amari's father even said as much -- he's proud of her but "can't" tell her. But you have to consider the source given he lamented that you can no longer beat children without being arrested. This documentary would serve well in custody suits, but in a few of these cases, the mothers are conspicuously absent. I suspect they are as repressed as the kids, but I can't muster up much sympathy for mothers who stand by while their kids are being tortured by men who have clearly never matured into reality.

There was no child for whom I didn't feel strongly in this documentary, but Justus in particular struck me. I was (conditionally) relieved to hear that he left his father, but this kid can't catch a break. He was again cast into the responsibility role with his mother's illness, a woman who apparently has never put much thought into the fathers she has provided to her children. I hope that Justus will channel his sensitivity and life experience into a career that involves helping others. He is clearly suited for such a path in life, and I hope he comes to recognize sports as recreational and not a definition of manhood -- something his father certainly has distorted.

I wish these kids all the best and that they can overcome their unfortunate parentage.