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.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.