With honesty and courage, Sherri VandenAkker offers us a gripping portrait of her mother's struggle with alcoholism and its effect on her family. This film is raw in its portrayal of the disease and the squalor and sacrificing which accompanied Bette's battle. It is packed with the physiological and psychological effects of alcoholism on women, and is presented in a frank and easy-to-comprehend manner.
I am grateful I made the decision to watch this with my 12-year-old, as we have recently started a dialogue about alcohol and drugs. It was eye-opening for him - albeit a bit tough - and it certainly opened up a stream of questions. The tenderness in which Ms. VandenAkker circles back to forgiveness and family made this feel more of a story than a documentary. I have already recommended this to colleagues and friends and I can imagine it becoming part of the curriculum at both the high school and college level.
I am grateful I made the decision to watch this with my 12-year-old, as we have recently started a dialogue about alcohol and drugs. It was eye-opening for him - albeit a bit tough - and it certainly opened up a stream of questions. The tenderness in which Ms. VandenAkker circles back to forgiveness and family made this feel more of a story than a documentary. I have already recommended this to colleagues and friends and I can imagine it becoming part of the curriculum at both the high school and college level.