The latest emotional documentary, “Daughters,” from Netflix, is a unique storytelling experience. Directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, the film provides an intimate look into the lives of Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and a’Ana over eight years. The documentary captures their journey as they prepare for a heartwarming Daddy-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers.
Throughout the film, the girls candidly share their aspirations, dreams, and the profound emotional impact of their father’s absence, exacerbated by the challenges of virtual visits. Their resilience and wisdom beyond their years shine as they navigate through feelings of heartbreak, anger, and uncertainty. “Daughters” illuminates the complexities of familial bonds affected by the harsh barriers of the criminal justice system and underscores the significance of family unity in fostering community healing.
As we meet the girls, some of whom have harsher realities than others. The documentary doesn’t hold back from letting these girls share their feelings. I commend the filmmakers for using the angle they did, as it helps with the realism of the situation when we see their incarnated fathers. The filmmakers make the wise choice to never reveal what some of the men did and instead choose to focus on the details of the 10-week seminar on responsible parenting for the incarnated that culminates with them treating their daughters to a night on the town in the prison gymnasium with dinner, dancing and photos. Seeing these men come together and help each other out is simply awe-inspiring.
I want to advise potential viewers to have the tissues ready as “Daughters” doesn’t necessarily have a happy end. As the night ends as an audience, we feel all the emotions as the girl leaves their fathers, not knowing when they will see them again. That said, the tears are earned and never forced. While I am a boy dad, “Daughters” is easily one of the best documentaries I’ve seen this year, and I highly recommend it.
Final Grade: A
“Daughters” arrives on Netflix on Wednesday, August 14.
Some jobs in music are difficult, but being asked to replace Smokey Robinson is another. When Robinson stepped away from The Miracles in the early seventies, Billy Griffin inherited a microphone attached to one of Motown’s most recognizable voices.
When I reflect on the summer of 1998, I was preparing for my junior year, while R&B seemed to be at a crossroads. Brandy and Monica were dominating the youth market with their blockbuster sophomore albums, while established male singers like Luther Vandross and Gerald Levert were comfortably settling into Urban AC.
When you hear the name Tony Rich, “Nobody Knows” is likely the first song that comes to mind. That record was a massive success, and its influence still lingers. However, true music enthusiasts recognize that Rich was never a one-hit wonder. He possessed an incredible talent for songwriting.