Watch The House of Suh

The House of Suh is a gripping and emotional documentary film from 2010 that tells the tragic story of Andrew and Catherine Suh, two siblings from a Korean-American family. The film explores the events that led to Andrew Suh's arrest and conviction for the murder of Catherine's fiancé in 1993, and how their complex family history played a role in shaping their lives and ultimate fate.

The film is primarily told through the perspective of Catherine Suh, who provides intimate details about her family's struggles and the events that led to the murder. The documentary is interspersed with archival footage and news clips, as well as interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement officials involved in the case.

We learn that Andrew and Catherine grew up in a strict and often abusive household, where their mother was physically and emotionally abusive towards them. Their father was largely absent, leaving the children to be raised by their mother and grandmother. Despite the family's struggles, Andrew excelled academically and eventually earned a scholarship to attend an Ivy League university.

But as Andrew started to distance himself from his family, tensions began to rise. He became involved with a group of wealthy friends who were involved in drugs and other illegal activities, and started to distance himself from his family. In 1993, tensions between Andrew and Catherine reached a boiling point when he murdered her fiancé, Robert O'Dubaine, in what he claimed was an attempt to protect his sister.

The House of Suh is a deeply emotional film that explores the complex relationships between family members and the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior. It is a powerful indictment of the Asian-American immigrant experience and the difficulties families face when trying to assimilate to a new culture.

The film is expertly edited and paced, and the use of archival footage and interviews creates a sense of immediacy and authenticity. The cinematography is beautiful, with stunning shots of the Suh's family home and the surrounding neighborhoods of Chicago. The music is haunting and evocative, perfectly capturing the mood and tone of the film.

The film is driven by the powerful and emotional performance of Catherine Suh, whose testimony provides the backbone of the story. Her honesty and vulnerability are palpable, and her willingness to examine her own role in the events that led to the murder is courageous and moving. The other family members and friends interviewed in the film provide additional insight into the Suh family's dynamics and offer a wider perspective on the events.

Overall, The House of Suh is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in exploring the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior, and the complex relationships within families. It is a powerful and emotional film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.