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 amidst the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms taking drastic measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for a walk in the fresh air, I struggled to write 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 Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which tend to be outdated today, it has aged beautifully.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 commemorated genre that has produced engaging films that are worth absolutely celebrating.
2. 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. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. A fantastic portrait of barriers that queer teenagers fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing commemorated movies shining light on traumatized children which deserve tremendous spotlight.
3. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of grief causing the lives of childhood friends to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about the psychological effects of trauma which audiences commonly appreciate.
4. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about serial killers which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders committed by killers that are psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about trauma captivating the worldwide public.
5. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most horror films, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. 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 tremendously immense.
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 commonly treasure.
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 tremendously 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 trauma causing dysfunctional families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences unquestionably appreciate.
9. Good Will Hunting
Therapists are towering figures that shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a therapist that taught me how to overcome adversity. Through his inspirational words of wisdom, I overcame challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring fond memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I adored “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s movie depicted therapists shaping people’s identity. Gun Van Sant used naturalistic dialogue to create a commemorated therapist relationship that’s compelling. Assisted by Matt Damon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gus Van Sant created a compelling therapist depiction. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.
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 the city of Gotham, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies offering wisdom about trauma which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 