Burden of Guilt

Documentary Review:

This documentary had the potential to be a powerful and gripping story, but unfortunately, its execution is weighed down by distracting artistic choices. The subject is a decent storyteller, and the core narrative is engaging enough to hold an audience's attention. However, the filmmakers seem to lack confidence in the story's natural strength, opting instead to pad the documentary with poorly rendered graphics and excessive dramatization.

The biggest offender is the music. Overly dramatic and intrusive, it drowns out the emotional weight of the story rather than enhancing it. Instead of letting the narrative breathe, the filmmakers rely on heavy-handed sound effects and unnecessary embellishments that take away from the documentary's authenticity. The result is a frustrating viewing experience where the emotional depth of the story is overshadowed by forced attempts at intensity.

Had they stripped away the distracting elements-the over-the-top score, the weak visual effects, and unnecessary dramatizations-this could have been a compelling and memorable documentary. As it stands, it's a missed opportunity. The story is worth hearing, but only if you can look past the distractions.

I had a very hard time with many of the early claims in the first episode that felt like they were tweaked a bit for effect. For example, I've never met any 2 year old who was capable of cooking scrambled eggs for their mother who was lying on the sofa in a body cast. Nor have I met a 5 year old who was capable of paying bills and buying cigarettes. While I don't doubt it's a very sad story and the storyteller has experienced things she never should have throughout her childhood, it felt like the age when these things happened may have been lowered for effect and that just wasn't necessary. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I've worked with children of all ages & walks of life for over 40 years & I've not met one capable of performing the tasks described at the age given yet. It caused me to lose interest very quickly, not lean in with a desire to hear more.

I think anyone who is rating this documentary on execution and "artistic choices" is inhumanely MISSING THE POINT!!! Wake the eff up and be a human! This woman was victimized from birth, by two people who shouldn't have been allowed to procreate. Two people who continue to BLAME their evil on a two year old baby instead of taking any responsibility.

I am amazed by Tracyraquel's strength!!! She is strong enough to rise above those monsters, find and accept love, and raise a beautiful, healthy family. Also to re-live the whole nightmare for this documentary. That is nothing short of AMAZING! I am.