Not many genres attract audiences to the Cinema like 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 massive 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 great movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID in the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms by taking drastic 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 up to care. Few films I’ve seen have captured how frightening isolation can cause writers to face trauma 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 trauma. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a writer facing isolation 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 trauma of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which tend to be outdated today, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic horror film about shining writers facing isolated hotels that are terrifying, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has produced engaging films that are worth celebrating.
2. Short Term 12
It’s always challenging to recover from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid experiencing abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he shared broken relationships with parents which were abusive. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from a past that left him terrified. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers in an American mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens experiencing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a bold genre making movies about which audiences care.
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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. A powerful portrait of painful grief experienced by ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies that audiences consider special.
5. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a therapist that delivered an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. A therapist with a strong presence, he always gave me valuable guidance during adolescence. His valuable words of wisdom inspired me to overcome challenges of the education system. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I admired “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bonds between a therapist and adolescent. For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Robin Williams, who portrayed a therapist seeking to assist adolescents. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to leave his past behind, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are one-of-a-kind.
6. The Silence of the Lambs
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed a lifelong fear of serial killers causing damage. As someone that has always been terrified of serial killers that slaughter lambs, I loved “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured traumatizing serial killers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” stand out is its depiction of serial killers. Demme uses captivating montages capturing detectives investigating serial killers that are frightening. Assisted by Jodie Foster who is extraordinary in the lead role, Demme created a captivating serial killer masterpiece. As memorable as murders committed by Hannibal Lecter, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated genre making great movies about trauma which audiences treasure.
7. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a country where residents often face trauma. India has built an image of being a nation where traumatized children living in poverty often face tension. The struggles faced by poverty-stricken Indian children facing a heavy burden to bear are beautifully depicted in the film “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie captured traumatized children in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating real-life locations in India to capture a country where orphans face adversity. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of trauma. A profound portrait of trauma faced by children in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
8. 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.
9. 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 trauma causing dysfunctional families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences appreciate.
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 become a standup comedian, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making engaging movies about individuals with trauma experiencing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 