‘Daughters’ Review – A Powerful Declaration Of Compassion

Logline: Four young girls prepare for a special Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, as part of a unique fatherhood program in a Washington, D.C. jail.

Is the prison system actually built for rehabilitation or is it the inhumane carousel of racism that we perceive it to be? I’d like to believe that we all agree that it’s astonishingly clear that the justice system, more times than not, is just Jim Crow cosplaying as an upright concerned citizen. Moreover, America continues to show its true colors and how it doesn’t value any. While I can’t and won’t place the onus specifically on those who aren’t widely affected and believe the system works because people do make terrible mistakes and decisions and deserve jail time, unfortunately, humans tend to believe anything when told to them repeatedly, even if they know it’s untrue. We went from questioning the truth to believing the lies.

As critical thinking becomes a burden in a society that has devolved into a “tell me how I feel” reality, human connection, compassion, and kindness have begun to deteriorate, unless for the sake of views. Our humanity is in constant decline making it easier to do things like lock people up without regard. What’s worse is when they have served their time, no matter the misstep, we do everything to ensure they end up back in a cage to be denigrated. Then we’ll complain about the erosion of the American family. Afterward, finding a job with a decent wage is nearly impossible, it can take years before anyone considers renting or selling a home to you, and it results in many having no choice but to return to the exact thing that landed them in jail in the first place. Documentaries like Daughters shouldn’t have to exist, but with it being somewhat of a necessity, after taking it in, maybe it can help open minds and right the ship.

“This is about healing our families.”

For us to continue making meaningful strides well into the future, we mustn’t forget our humanity. Directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, Daughters is a powerful declaration of compassion. This meaningful plea for human connection while incarcerated is endlessly moving and quite the tear-jerker. Now, as a Black man, a large part of me wants to talk about how the prison-industrial complex is modern-day slavery, the disproportionate prison demographics, and how the absent Black father stereotype is not only racist but directly linked to the aforementioned complex, but you’re here to find out about this beautiful documentary, I’ll ramble another day.

Inside a Washington D.C. jail, a group of incarcerated Black fathers sits in a circle led by Chad, a counselor, to explore their journies, their mistakes, and what it means to be a loving parental figure. Outside the jail, the eye-opening film follows Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana, the daughters of four inmates, as they anticipate a special Daddy-Daughter Dance they never thought could happen. We have all seen movies and television programs that show inmates and their families talking through a phone while staring at each other through plexiglass, however, that situation is not always a reality.

We learn that hundreds of jails no longer allow in-person visitation. If it wasn’t already a financial strain to help provide an incarcerated loved one with clothes, snacks, and phone calls, it now costs to see their faces. Paid video calls are now the only way some can connect with their kids, cutting out all human touch. For some of the young girls, it’s been years since they’ve received a hug from the one they call Dad. “When our families are intact, our community thrives” is a quote that stands out and stays in the back of your mind when the tears begin to flow. The absence of touch makes a difficult time that much harder. Ranging in ages from 5 to 15 the four young girls all share a common hardship but unique emotions. From distraught and hopeful to angry and disappointed, strong emotions can be deeply felt on both sides of the wall as the dance and court dates draw closer. While the corrupt prison system and those affected by it are easiest to comprehend and serve as the backdrop, the adorable and emotionally mature Black girls and the Black women who help guide them are the reason we are here.

“I miss him being here.”

Beginning with a wish to have a dance, a suggestion that had never been posed to the Correctional Department before, especially not by the young daughters of inmates, a surprising “yes” soon followed. What is now known as the “Date with Dad” is more than a daddy-daughter dance. It is an opportunity to bond, reconnect, recommit, apologize, promise, and regain a sense of humanity that has been taken away. This moment where time seems to stand still will feed the yearning and sadness for the rest of these fathers’ sentences. Getting to dress up and feel normal again, the night is filled with awkwardness, embarrassment, and shame, but more than anything, it’s full of love and unforgettable moments. As the documentary builds to this beautiful crescendo, there is a crushing scenario that I thought might happen that completely destroyed me. If you’re a parent in any capacity and love your kids, this film will move you to tears. From down and dejected to overcoming adversity, Black girl magic can turn grey skies blue.

Daughters was made with love. It’s honest, genuine, and incredibly important. It’s specific yet universal and is a must-see. If you want to witness vulnerability and joy and end your night with a smile and something to think about, look no further. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

The film is paced with purpose rather than necessity. The result is a smooth-moving story that blossoms like a flower rather than being hand-cranked like a jack in the box. What pops for me is how the documentary treats its subjects. It doesn’t dwell on what the men did to end up in prison because it doesn’t matter. Instead, it shows them as flawed people taking accountability and attempting to better themselves.

Impact & Influence

Featuring: Aubrey Smith, Keith Swepston, Lashawn Smith, Ja’Ana Crudup, Frank Walker, Unita Crudup, Santana Stewart, Mark Grimes, Diamond Stewart, Raziah Lewis, Alonzo Lewis, Sherita Lewis, Chad Morris, Clinique Marshall Chapman

I hope this program can be implemented across the country. While people should be held accountable for their crimes, if they are to one day re-enter society, their sense of humanity and dignity must stay intact as much as possible. In fact, shouldn’t there be an attempt to improve it? Humans are flawed and we understand that when the violator is a recognizable name or has money, but if you don’t fit in either category, good luck. We have to do better, the system has to do better. This documentary shows that change is possible. It may feel small to some but every movement and every major change started with a simple thought.

Daughters released in select theaters on August 9, 2024, and on Netflix on August 14, 2024, at 2 am CDT. Stay safe and stay connected.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 29m Directors: Natalie Rae and Angela Patton Writers: Natalie Rae, Angela Patton, Troy Lewis, Adelina Bichis Producers: Natalie Rae, Lisa Mazzotta, Justin Benoliel, James Cunningham, Mindy Goldberg, Sam Bisbee, Kathryn Everett, Laura Choi Raycroft Executive Producers: Kerry Washington, Pilar Savone, Angela Patton, Joel Edgerton, Jessica Seinfeld, Hallee Adelman, Lydia Kives, J.M. Harper, Lance Acord, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Wendy Neu, Dom Thomas, Morgan Clement, Jessica Taneja, Bryn Mooser, Shane Riley, Harland Weiss, Donovan M. Boden, Isil Gilderdale, Emily Harris Cinematography: Michael Cambio Fernandez Editors: Troy Lewis, Adelina Bichiș BFE