Not many genres attract audiences to the Cinema like childhood trauma. Since the 1980’s, scared children have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, shining authors or disturbed mothers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about childhood trauma that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Shining
Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID during the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms taking measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for a walk in the fresh air, I struggled to write film reviews about which I had grown to care. Few films I’ve seen have captured how frightening isolation can impact childrens’ mental health as powerfully as “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about childhood trauma. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture children facing traumatic experiences causing despair. Kubrick has always had an aptitude for making great movies about childhood trauma, and “The Shining” showcased his strengths as an icon of Cinema. Kubrick effectively used foreshadowing to capture a child facing abusive fathers in a hotel that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodies a self-destructive author impacted by isolation. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite film about childhood trauma of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic horror film about shining writers facing isolated hotels that are frightening, it’s a breatthaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about traumatic children that are worth celebrating.
2. The Sixth Sense
Psychologists have shaped my personality. At an early age, I began seeing a psychologist delivering an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began meeting a therapist that helped me cope with adversity. His valuable guidance allowed me to cope with a painful experience. As someone treasuring fond memories of a psychologist that had sense, I adored “The Sixth Sense”. Released in 1999, M. Night Shyamalan’s horror movie captured child psychologists haunted by tragedies. Shyamalan has always had an aptitude for making movies about traumatized children in danger, and “The Sixth Sense” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Shyamalan effectively uses foreshadowing to capture a child haunted by visions of dead people that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Lynn discovers her son can communicate with dead people causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Haley Joel Osment, who embodied a child haunted by visions of death. Ultimately, what makes “The Sixth Sense” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as Cole’s sixth sense, it’s a bold reminder of a genre with commitment making movies achieving a following that’s immense.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far back I can remember, I’ve always been an anxious person. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my success. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in front of teachers I appreciated. As someone that experienced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about anxious teenagers. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his longtime companions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teenager with tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies about the lives of traumatized children which deserve to be seen.
4. Ordinary People
Family tragedy can often cause people to face trauma. Several years ago, my family faced grief when my uncle passed away causing sorrow. His devastating death left my grandfather emotionally affected. Adopting a pessimistic attitude, my grandfather lost interest in activities that he had once valued. As someone seeing families facing emotions that are painful, I adored “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured impact of childhood trauma on ordinary families. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture a family haunted by the loss of a loved one that causes trauma. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Donald Sutherland, who embodied a father struggling to overcome painful loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” an extraordinary film is its message. The film delivers a bold message about loss which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant. A powerful portrait of painful grief experienced by ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre manufacturing timeless movies that audiences consider special.
5. Moonlight
Gay people often face trauma today. Years ago, I witnessed the hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. He would often be bullied in school due towards his sexual identity. As someone treasuring a gay cousin that sought to fight trauma, I appreciated “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie captured the trauma faced by queer men discovering their sexual identities. Jenkins uses captivating montages capturing a child that is traumatized by bullying affecting his identity. For instance, the scene in which Chiron has a breakdown throwing a chair over a bully’s head causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Ashton Sanders, who embodies a poor queer black boy struggling to find acceptance in society. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a bold message about importance of sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of barriers that queer teenagers fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing memorable movies shining light on traumatized children which deserve spotlight.
6. Slumdog Millionaire
Childhood trauma often affects kids living in India. India has built an image of being a country where impoverished children often face trauma. The hardships faced by Indian kids experiencing despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie depicted children in India facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating montages capturing hardships children in India are facing. Assisted by Dev Patel who is outstanding in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of Indian children. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about which audiences care.
7. Room
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about children stuck in a room, it’s worth discussing Room. Since its publication in 2010, Emma Donoghue’s book has become a literary classic. In 2015, Lenny Abrahamson honoured the book about a room in his movie “Room”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Room” stand out is its depiction of isolation. Abrahamson effectively uses confined locations to capture the tension faced by children that grow up in an environment of isolation. Assisted by Jacob Tremblay who is amazing in the lead role, Abrahamson honoured a beloved book about childhood today. A beautiful adaptation of a book about children that are isolated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences have appreciated.
8. Hereditary
The horror genre has often been used to explore themes of childhood trauma. Horror movies often capture the lives of children that face traumatic adversities. The strength of the horror genre for capturing children facing tragedy is clearly evident in the movie “Hereditary”. Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s horror movie captured trauma faced by dysfunctional families. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hereditary” stand out is its depiction of dysfunctional families. Aster uses captivating symbolism capturing a family torn apart by tragedy. Assisted by Toni Collette who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aster created a horror masterpiece about trauma. A powerful portrait of families facing trauma, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
9. Honey Boy
Few actors in Hollywood have faced a career as controversial as Shia LaBeouf. A former child star, LaBeouf experienced a traumatic childhood that nearly damaged his career. In 2019, Alma Har’el the controversial actor that started acting as a young boy in her movie “Honey Boy”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Honey Boy” stand out is its commemorated depiction of child actors. Har’el uses captivating flashbacks to capture the parental abuse that a child actor is experiencing. Assisted by Shia LaBeouf who is extraordinary in the lead role, Har’el created a powerful portrait of childhood trauma. A beautiful tribute towards an actor that started making movies as a young boy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies about traumatized children which audiences enjoy.
10. Joker
Few villains in popular culture are as beloved as the Joker. With his maniacal grin, charismatic personality and humour, the Joker has become an icon. In 2019, Todd Phillips reimagined the character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used unreliable narration to capture a comedian with childhood trauma. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips honoured a villain. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a criminal using violence to overcome trauma has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s an engaging addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to change Gotham, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making timeless movies offering wisdom on the problem of childhood trauma which I will forever treasure for motivating me to accomplish dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 