Family Affair (2010) User Reviews

Left Me Numb

[itzsoeasy-962-375668 · 10/10 · 30 March 2014]

One tragic accident- a sister being shot- let loose a levee of well hidden horrors in a families life - child abuse. I just couldn't stop watching. When one of the girls- then into adulthood- says something to the affect that the sex was not hurtful, but the physical abuse was. It shows how our minds can numb our bodies to that which we perceive as non-life threatening and the physical abuse that is an immediate danger. We sometimes put events into boxes so we can hide them away, that we may continue to live. If we take them out and look at them we couldn't go on with our lives.

The key to the acts of abuse by their father (other than his past) is the powerlessness, and isolation of his victims, but how do you get the strength to move forward after being abused for so long? And how do you let the past go and just live a normal life? I think this is the conundrum that the women are going through. At every turn, the past is looking them right in the eyes. Even the grand-children are reminders of the abuse,i.e., anger issues, the inability to properly care for an infant. The abuse left a big question mark on the actions of normal behaviors that many people take for granted.

I really loved this film because although the women were abused in their youth, as the young ladies are full grown now, they recognize that no one can use isolation and intimidation to victimize them again. They have gone through the fires of abuse - together, and they are strong - together. Because they are speaking freely about it, they know that it will never happen to them again.

Emotional film

[Rpooderbaby · 10/10 · 30 October 2013]

This film had me mad and crying, what these children had to go thru. Great In site into the mind of victims that where being sexual abused, so painful to watch yet so interesting. A parent is suppose to love and protect there children how do ones mind think, to harm them, the children that you created. I want to know how they are doing now, I want to give all them a hug, because they need it. This movie made me look at life differently every one goes thru struggle but how do they cope thru them. This movie had me thinking a lot about the mind of a predator, do they know right from wrong or do they not care, about the people they hurt. I hope more people watch this film because it's a eye opener

Powerful , frustrating, fascinating.

[airsnob · 9/10 · 9 March 2015]

I watched this film, and couldn't believe what i was seeing. This film is such a brave, and transparent probe into incest and domestic violence. It is uncomfortable , it is frustrating, it is agonizing at times, and it's remarkable. The sisters are so unhealthy in this film, so fractured. If I knew where they lived, I would call child protective services on one of them. They are such a dramatic, and at the same time, perfect example of the effects of childhood abuse. The mother in this film, is obviously the healthiest of the bunch, (besides the filmmaker) is ostracized by her children, for having to leave them and their stubborn refusal to get healthy or heal themselves. Which happens so often in abusive situations. The children refuse to turn their backs on the abuser and the battered wife and mother literally is driven mad by the insanity and betrayal of that, and gives up her kids so that she can survive and have a chance at life without being attached to the abuser. I applaud this mans heroic film, and his humility. To allow all of us to see the insanity that he is surrounded with. Like his mother, because he is sane, he is alone. It was heartbreaking to watch his family members almost scold him, for not being a part of their disasters for not wanting to have a relationship with his horribly abusive father who also raped his sisters for years. This movie should be required viewing at all domestic violence shelters and for all victims of incest. This is such a difficult film, but for it's teaching moments , it's so beautiful. I wanted to yell at the screen, so many times, to reach out and grab the film makers hand, and tell him, don't listen to this. It's insane. Don't be in this, it's insane. Get away, get far far, away. His sisters are a bleak bunch. Without extensive therapy, or any resources, they are a very sad example of incest victims left to their own devices, without any healing, or help. I think every victim of abuse should watch this film, and anyone who is interested in psychology or helping people or victims of domestic violence and incest. This is a very typical, very raw and informative drama about very typical responses to abuse and PTSD caused by it. This is a great film, for many reasons, but most of all, because rarely has anyone been able to see into the lives of victims, and the aftermath of abuse. For the filmmaker - stick with mom. She's got the right idea. Even if she is born again. A+.