Cruel Instruction

I wasn't sure I wanted to watch this movie. I was thinking to myself I hope to God this is not a true story. I was disgusted at the treatment of the girls and the whole time I was watching I was thinking at how I would have handled the situation if I were in it. I don't think I could have refrained from punching someone in the face the minute my parents left me there and was taken in for the medical exam which was more like a strip search in a major prison. When I am done with this review I will be surfing the net to see if there were charges brought up against Ms. Connie (played by Camryn Manheim) I certainly hope so. I also hope the place was closed down and someone sued them.

While you can tell the budget was not as deserved (because honestly, this movie deserved so much), the writing, message and experiences are genuine and shed light on the 'troubled teen' industry in a way that hasn't been done in media before. An important watch, with lines that emphasise the true nature of these 'wilderness retreats', and focusing on a black, female, neurodivergent, queer lead, it is clear that this film honestly wants to make victims of this industry seen, and raise awareness for the harm it does to children, no matter what shape or form they come in. Everyone, victims, parents, general public could benefit from watching this and using it to educate themselves on the disgusting, exploitative practices of the 'troubled teen' industry.

As expected out of LM it was average at best. The only reason I didn't rate it lower was because it made me cry. Only reason for that was (as a now adult) I myself have been in and out of MANY of these places. I know how it feels to be in a place just like this but 20 times worse. This place looked bad but what I went through could not hold a candle to it.

My issue with this movie was the actors sucked and at times I just could not relate with the lead. Pretty just could not act! I do like miss Campbell and miss Muñoz though. I have seen Muñoz in a few movies but I must admit this was a first for Campbell and I will be looking out for more of her. As far as this movie goes I would say watch it if you have been through it or if you have a child in a place like this.

I wish my parents had watched a movie like this... Shining light on a subject I feel should be known by ALL by now. These places can be worse then anyone can ever imagine. Everyone should know what goes on in the so called "Problem Child's" life! Just do not expect great acting because at times the movie was just laughable.

I'm giving this a top rating because it's a must see for anyone with parents.

The main take away from this is to listening to your damned children.

But also keep in mind that this underplays the horrors that occur at these facilities. They manage to cover the basics, these place are callous and only care about their own financial gain.

But it does not depict the corporal punishment that occurs. Nor does it delve below the surface of the sexual predators these places attract. They make out that only the main lady running the place is the bad person and the rest are just being browbeaten into submission, this is a best case scenario.

Everyone and anyone that is involved in this industry should be imprisoned, including the school counselors who refer children to these facilities. Sometimes for kickbacks. This also helps includes judges.

Disgusting people up and down the chain that do not deserve the benefit of the doubt nor the luxury of freedom.

But feel the lead girl(Adams)professional acting skills wasn't developed well enough,the way she acted & reacted was unusual.

Her parents bothered me.. Didn't really take much to see,that she wasn't a bad kid & struggled from issues not in her control.

Felt like the step-dad was finding any reason especially,to justify what he did or didn't do for her.. The mother needed a bigger spine seemed like many guys from the spouse,principal to the recruiter/counselor influenced her.

Sad places like this for struggling kids exist still,but frankly parents need to be more diligent on what is really best for their kids & not just on a strangers word.

Why does parent(s) just blindly send their kid to a strange location,hours to days away & accept it?.. Because the glossy brochure looked,great? I would think touring the program,credentials of those in charge & so forth would seem responsible.

Worth a watch,if you haven't viewed it.