Watch Family Affair

Family Affair is a thought-provoking and emotional documentary film, directed and produced by Chico Colvard, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2010. The movie explores deeply complex issues of trauma, abuse, and forgiveness that are experienced by a family of five siblings who grew up in an abusive household in the United States during the 1970s.

The story unfolds through a series of interviews with the members of Colvard's family, as they confront and try to make sense of the traumatic experiences they encountered when they were young. The film also features archival footage and photographs that transport the viewers back in time to witness the events that shaped their lives.

The documentary starts with Chico Colvard recounting the story of how he mistakenly shot his sister in the leg when he was just ten years old. The incident led to the unraveling of deep-seated family secrets, with each sibling finding out that they had a different father. This revelation set off a chain of events that ultimately led the siblings to confront the truth about the abuse and neglect they endured at the hands of their mother.

The film delves deep into the psychological aftermath of the abuse that the Colvard siblings experienced. There's Paula, the oldest of the siblings, who struggles with the guilt and responsibility of being the primary caretaker of her younger siblings while also enduring the worst of the abuse. She is haunted by nightmares, and the film shows us how she is still trying to make sense of what happened to her family.

Then there's Chiquita, the sister who was injured in the accidental shooting. She is shown in the film grappling with her feelings of anger and betrayal towards her mother, who not only participated in the abuse but encouraged it. She also desires a connection with a father she never knew.

The film also focuses on Chico Colvard's journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. At the beginning of the film, he admits that he's both fascinated and repulsed by his mother. In the course of the documentary, he comes to understand that his mother is herself a victim of her circumstances, and her actions must not be excused, but may potentially be understood through a sympathetic lens.

In the last half of the documentary, the film shifts to concentrate on Chico's efforts to reconcile with his estranged father, as well as the powerful connections he forms with his sisters as he tracks down clues about their past. During this process, the film shows the siblings visiting a childhood home, which triggers memories both nostalgic and traumatic, as they piece together their shared experiences.

Family Affair is not an easy watch, as it deals with highly unsettling themes. The honesty and straightforwardness with which each family member speaks about their experiences are both captivating and heartbreaking. Although the movie covers dark topics, there is a thread of hope which runs through the film that makes it inspiring in its own way. Through the difficult discussions, strained laughter, and tearful recollections, the family is on a path to healing and recovery.

In conclusion, Family Affair is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that explores the long-lasting impact of trauma and abuse on individuals and families. Colvard manages to chronicle a vulnerable and powerful story while still respecting and protecting his family's privacy. The film shows us that the journey to healing can be different for each person, but it always starts with confronting the truth. Family Affair is a must-watch for anyone interested in the psychology of family dysfunction and the unbreakable bond of siblings.

Family Affair is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 65.