POV Season 34 Episode 9 North By Current

North By Current, the ninth episode of the thirty-fourth season of POV, follows a mother's journey to cope with the loss of her son. The episode is a powerful exploration of grief, faith, and justice.

The story is set in a small town in Michigan where filmmaker and mother of four, Angelo Madsen Minax, returns to her childhood home to visit her family. However, she ends up staying much longer to witness the trial of her estranged brother, Andrew, for the death of her 3-year-old nephew, River. The director weaves together her personal narration with footage of the trial, interviews with family members, and home videos to share her family's story and struggles following River's death.

Through her lens, the audience follows the Madsen family as they try to come to terms with their loss and navigate their faith. Angelo shares her experience of becoming disconnected from her family as she struggled to reconcile her gender identity with their conservative background. Her brother's trial forces her to return and face the trauma and pain head-on, diving deep into the complexities of grief, guilt, and love.

The episode's title, North By Current, is a reference to the water currents in Lake Michigan and the powerful force that they represent. These currents serve as a metaphor for the grief that the Madsen family experiences and the struggle to stay afloat amidst incredibly challenging circumstances.

The episode presents a deeply emotional and personal story that touches on broader themes of faith, community, and justice. Angelo's story shows the impact of trauma on individuals and families and highlights the importance of seeking help and asking for support.

Overall, North By Current offers a unique perspective on grappling with loss and offers a heartfelt exploration of family, forgiveness, and healing. Through a powerful blend of personal narration and visual storytelling, the episode is a moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.