The film claims to be based on a true story. Jeannette has hippie artist parents, which wouldn't be a problem in itself, but it borders on abuse and child neglect. Right at the start, mom asks the daughter which is more important, her own painting, or preparing a meal for the kids. And when confronted, the parents act violently, and show signs of mental illness. When the neglect causes the daughter's dress to catch on fire, burning the girl, dad says she just got too close to the "chaos". Good parenting. So we jump back and forth between the present and the childhood memories. And its all pretty painful to watch. Dad can't hold a job, so they have to keep moving on before the cops and bill collectors catch up. When Jeannette tells them she's getting married, they can't even be happy for her. So pour a drink, batten down the hatches, and press play. Pretty rough to watch. Storywise, it's fine... it's just a much rougher life than most of us grew up with. Based on the book by Jeanette Walls. Directed by Destin Cretton; has won TONS of film fest awards.
Review of The Glass Castle
