Not many genres attract audiences to the Cinema like childhood trauma. Since the 1980’s, stories of abuse 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 abuse 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 dark COVID during the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms by taking measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for a walk in the fresh air, I struggled to write film reviews on my website about which I had grown to care. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how frightening abuse can impact children’s 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 abuse. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture children facing traumatic abuse experiences causing despair. Kubrick has always had an aptitude for making great movies about childhood abuse, 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 bold reminder of a great genre that has made memorable movies about traumatic children that are worth celebrating.
2. Short Term 12
It’s always challenging to come to terms with from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid that faced grim abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he shared broken relationships with parents which were abusive. 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 role by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a classic is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teens in a mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about mental hospitals which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about which audiences care.
3. Psycho
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of dark serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her grim lover, my housekeeper became the victim of psychotic murder. As someone haunted by the murder of a housemaid that died years ago, I adored “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie captured the impact of abuse on serial killers. Hitchcock used innovative cinematic techniques to capture abuse driving a serial killer to commit violence that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is mercilessly stabbed to death in the shower causing trauma remains one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the most iconic killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are often outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as murders committed by killers that are psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made iconic movies about abuse captivating the public.
4. 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 abused teenagers. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with abuse. 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 haunted by childhood abuse. 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 making great movies about the lives of traumatized children which deserve to be seen.
5. Mystic River
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our great housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became a victim of grim murder. Her devastating death left my family mourning. As someone haunted by the death of a beloved housekeeper, I adored “Mystic River”. Released in 2003, Clint Eastwood’s movie offered an engaging murder mystery. Eastwood used captivating flashbacks capturing three childhood friends haunted by an incident of abuse in childhood that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Dave recounts harrowing memories of being abused as a child causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tim Robbins, who portrayed an aging man affected by childhood abuse. Ultimately, what makes “Mystic River” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A phenomenal portrait of grief causing the lives of childhood friends to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has produced movies about the psychological effects of abuse which audiences appreciate.
6. Slumdog Millionaire
Abuse causing trauma often affects lives of children living in India. 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 despair 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.
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 abuse. 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 dysfunctional families that crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
9. The Colour Purple
Steven Spielberg is a legendary filmmaker that has built a lasting legacy. With their compelling storytelling, strong acting and bold themes, Spielberg’s movies have earned a huge following. Spielberg has often explored the topic of abuse in his movies, and it is most evident in “The Colour Purple”. Released in 1985, Spielberg’s movie celebrated a beloved book about abuse. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Colour Purple” stand out is its feminist perspective. Spielberg uses captivating voice-over narration to capture hardships that black women enduring abuse are facing. Assisted by Whoopi Goldberg who is amazing in the lead role, Spielberg honoured a beloved book about abuse. As precious as letters Celie seeks to write, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies earning spotlight.
10. I, Tonya
Few ice-skating champions that faced abuse are as beloved as Tonya Harding. During the 1980’s, Harding faced abusive marriages that affected her ice-skating. In 2017, Craig Gillepsie honoured the iconic ice-skater with charisma in his movie “I, Tonya”. Gillepsie used montages capturing an ice-skating champion facing an abusive marriage. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is superb in the lead role, Gillepsie honoured Harding’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an ice-skater that faced abuse has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Tonya’s desire to overcome abuse, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies changing views about a serious issue which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion of writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 