Watch Mourning Son

Mourning Son is a 2015 documentary film that offers a deeply personal and emotional look into the life of renowned guitarist and rockstar, Dave Navarro. The film explores the traumatic experiences that shaped Navarro, and how those experiences resonate with him every day. Constance Navarro, Dave Navarro's mother, takes center stage in this film. The core of the documentary is the story of her murder, which left an indelible impression on Dave's childhood and shaped his music, his relationships, and his life. Constance's brutal slaying by her ex-boyfriend, John Riccardi, was a turning point for Dave Navarro, and Mourning Son is an exploration of how that moment in time has impacted him.

Dave Navarro is widely known for his musicianship as the lead guitarist of bands like Jane's Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, Mourning Son shows that beneath the surface, he is a man battling his inner demons - a person whose life has been shaped by the trauma of childhood abuse, addiction, and ultimately, the murder of his mother. He recounts memories from his childhood that are painfully disturbing and describes how he used drugs to cope with his pain.

Mourning Son takes a unique approach to storytelling, as it juxtaposes the present-day Navarro's narration with home movie footage of his early life. The film effectively delivers a moving portrayal of the highs and lows of Navarro's journey, and his ongoing attempts to understand and come to terms with his past in a way that is relatable to anyone who has suffered from trauma.

The documentary is directed by Todd Newman, who is also a childhood friend of Dave Navarro. Navarro and Newman's close bond undoubtedly contributed to the level of trust and vulnerability on display in Mourning Son. Newman's directorial style allows intimate access to Navarro's innermost thoughts and provides a space for him to speak candidly about his struggles with addiction, abandonment, and ultimately, loss.

Throughout the film, Navarro is refreshingly open about the discomfort he feels sharing his story on camera. However, as he becomes more comfortable with the process, he delivers some truly powerful and heartbreaking moments. The film's climax is a particularly poignant sequence in which Navarro confronts Riccardi in prison.

Mourning Son's score features a hauntingly beautiful song "Redemption Song" performed by Dave Navarro and his mother. It adds immense weight to the already emotionally charged film, making it impossible to ignore how profoundly tragic the Navarro family's experience has been.

This documentary is not only an exploration of one man's past but an unabashed tribute to Dave's mother, Constance Navarro. Mourning Son illuminates her struggles and story while providing audiences with an empathetic and touching portrayal of Constance as a deeply caring, loving mother.

In conclusion, Mourning Son is a moving and powerful documentary that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of Dave Navarro and rock music aficionados alike. Although it is a deeply personal story, it is a story that can prompt anyone to reflect on the impact of tragedy and life-altering events. Todd Newman delivers a potent and heartfelt documentary that is a must-see for anyone who is moved by tales of human resilience in the face of trauma.

Mourning Son is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.