Relative

I thought Relative was a beautifully nuance representation of the vulnerabilities that are so pervasive within families, specifically amongst children and women. It also speaks to the misogyny that is permitted to exist within families. The documentarian kept some privacy in terms of the family and showed what she felt most comfortable with. For so many families, silence is death. But, her willingness and the willingness of her mother, grandmother and great aunts to share pieces of their traumas was what made me feel so connected to this entire family. Her nuanced film gave voice to so many who don't have one. Thank you!

And what happens when everyone keeps quiet. Avoidance of talking about traumatic events creates a disconnection, leaving the lone person who's willing to speak up feel isolated and disconnected.

If everyone around you is saiyng 'it's no big deal', then part of you will begin to question yourself and wonder if YOU'RE the one making it a big deal.

I congratulate Tracey for being brave enough to confront her family and get them to talk. Especially her mother who, in this film just wants to move on (complete avoidance). Her grandmother and great aunts share more and other family members support Tracey as she moves through her healing with a therapist and the help of her family.

The person who gave this 1 star has cleary never had to deal with this level of trauma. It's hard enough to discuss these things in private but to make a FILM that the whole world can see take a whole other level of fortitude, bravery, and strength. The humiliation you feel when you've been violated can be debilitating. So, please read the 10 star reviews. They are more empathic.

The film recounts the filmmakers journey of her own healing process, as she struggles with her experiences and the effects it had on her life after the experiences.

She reaches out to generations of her family and asks them if they had similar experiences in their own lives, and how they struggled with their own aftermath of emotions.

The film is not prurient or sensationalistic in any manner, yet the discussions are frank and sad to watch and listen to as family members are discussed over generations.

Many personal pictures and old home movie clips are interwoven into the film to give historical context to the older women's experiences and contexts.

I'm not a filmmaker or cinematographer so I can't rate the techniques and manner of the video as it's been constructed.

I can say that the video has a powerful visceral effect on me as a Dad with 4 children, now all grown adults, and my hope that none of the things discussed in this film ever happen to my granddaughters.

As Dad, I know what it's like when your child reveals, years after the fact, of experiences discussed in this film that were inflicted by a neighbor's foster child upon my child.

Healing is a long process.

Memories never go away completely.

They're put in a box in our minds so we can live our lives without pain they cause.

I hope this filmmaker continues to make films and that they're shown in streaming services.

This film, while difficult to watch at times because of subject matter, is needed. It depicted the complex layers that truth tellers/change makers face after being honest with their family about their trauma. Seeing the effects of patriarchy and sexual abuse on this Italian-Americans hit close to home. The relationship with the older generations, and hearing them speak their truths for the first time was tremendous. This film was well-done and ended in an unexpected way that will stay with me. This film makes me wish I could sit with the older generations of my family and ask the hard questions. It also inspires me to have open, deep dialogue with my three daughters, my nieces and nephews, my friend's children on sexual safety. Tracy's bravery inspires me to be brave.

This documentary absolutely moved me in ways I can't even put into words. So grateful for people like Tracey. She is an absolute hero in my eyes. I'm a truth giver, and I had so much in common with her and this documentary. It's a must watch!!!! Watching her tell her story was a true inspiration. In this documentary You find yourself relating your story with hers especially, if you've gone through it, and it helps you heal in ways by listening to others tell their story. I give this documentary a 10/10! I'm so happy I stumbled upon it. It was so meant to be. The next day I reflected back on my story, and what I went through and I can't express this enough. This documentary helped me so much.