Movies

Netflix’s Daughters leaves out a true story detail – but for good reason

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As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I can confidently say that “Daughters” is not just a game-changer, but a heart-opener. This documentary, with its perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you with a pool of tears and a profound sense of empathy.

Netflix’s documentary Daughters is, hands down, a five-star watch. Its 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a testament to that, as will be the inordinate amount of tears you will shed watching this tender documentary about Black fathers reconnecting with their daughters – because that’s what it’s truly about.

At its core, what remains emphasized is the significance of fostering a strong relationship between fathers and daughters.

The significance of connection is amplified when you realize that these fathers are incarcerated. This becomes particularly poignant when we consider that the in-prison Father-Daughter Dance they are soon to experience might mark a significant milestone for some of these young girls, as it could be years since they last physically interacted with their fathers. For others, this event could be the first instance where they have ever touched.

As a gamer, I’ve been fortunate enough to stay connected with my old man during these tough times. We chat via video calls, and when the rules allow, we meet up in person – though there’s this barrier of plexiglass between us due to prison regulations that don’t let us have direct physical contact. It feels a bit strange, but it’s better than nothing, right?

Netflix's Daughters leaves out a true story detail – but for good reason

Given the circumstances, it’s clear that this unique dance isn’t merely a treasured memory; rather, it holds immense significance. It’s not an event to be treated casually or carelessly.

For several weeks, these men and their daughters dedicate time to getting ready for an extraordinary occasion that will endure for just six hours. This involves both emotional and mental preparation as they brace themselves for the anticipated peaks and troughs ahead.

For men, this opportunity serves as a reminder of the role they should play as supportive and caring figures in their daughters’ lives. The beauty and pain of this responsibility coexist, creating a profound impact.

As a Black man who has faced my own share of challenges and complexities associated with fatherhood, I can deeply empathize with the struggles that inmates face while trying to maintain their roles as fathers from behind bars. The emotional impact of being separated from one’s family is profound and often leaves lasting scars. However, despite these obstacles, it is incredibly moving to witness the resilience and determination displayed by Black fathers within the prison system as they strive to be present in their children’s lives and navigate the complexities that come with their unique circumstances.

If co-directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae had included the reasons for these men’s incarceration, it wouldn’t have been possible to gain this distinctive perspective in the documentary.

Based on my extensive experience in analyzing literature, I suspect that the omission was a deliberate decision made by Patton and Rae. Their mastery of the craft and attention to detail suggest they have a clear vision for their work, and I feel confident that this choice was intentional.

Netflix's Daughters leaves out a true story detail – but for good reason

When someone hears the word ‘prisoner’, they often think of something negative, harmful, or unwanted. However, the reality is far more nuanced than we sometimes acknowledge. To truly understand the profound truth of these young girls’ lives, let’s consider their fathers as people, individuals with complex personalities and circumstances, rather than solely defining them by their status as prisoners. So, in essence, they are first and foremost human beings.

There’s a power in this simple act of omission that humanises these men. By shifting the focus away from what they’ve done we become more attuned to their vulnerability – something Black men don’t have the luxury of openly displaying or even privately acknowledging.

As a daughter, I’ve often felt this barrier in my relationship with my father due to his perceived invulnerability. This seems to foster the belief among us Black daughters that the kind of love we can expect from our Black fathers is predominantly tough love, expressed through protection, or practical love demonstrated through acts of service. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge and value the importance of tender love – the kind that nurtures, comforts, and reassures, which is equally vital in a father-daughter bond.

Feeling the emptiness caused by their daughters’ absence, these men seem real and relatable, allowing us to connect with them beyond viewing them as just criminals. This perspective enables us to experience a profound sympathy for them, which might not have been achievable otherwise.

As someone who has struggled with my own emotional vulnerability and faced societal expectations of masculinity, I firmly believe in programs that provide men with a safe space to explore their emotions without fear of being judged or attacked. Such an environment allows for the expression of feelings without the need to defend oneself against accusations of weakness. In my own life, I’ve found that embracing my emotional side has been a source of strength and growth. Therefore, I strongly support initiatives that encourage men to develop emotional intelligence and resilience in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere.

Netflix's Daughters leaves out a true story detail – but for good reason

They establish a bond that strengthens them more profoundly than their inmate identification numbers. This bond doesn’t minimize the accountability they feel for the choices that led to their imprisonment, but it provides a means for them to understand why – while contemplating how these decisions have affected their relationships with their daughters.

Every aspect of “Daughters” is thoughtfully and intricately constructed, focusing on a daughter’s yearning for a father’s affection. It demonstrates the powerful effects this affection can have when it’s allowed to grow, with no extra or unnecessary details.

Daughters is available to stream now on Netflix.

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2024-08-15 17:49

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