A Story of Struggle, Told With Dignity

Read Time:3 Minute, 37 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Inheritance
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Matt Moyer, Amy Toensing
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com or for more information, click here www.inheritancethefilm.com

RAVING REVIEW: What does it mean to be born into a world where the deck is stacked against you from day one? The film INHERITANCE takes a look at the battles, struggles, and hurdles that you have to face when the world gives you an uphill battle from the start; here, we find something more than just a documentary – it's a gripping journey through the life of Curtis, a young boy born and raised in the Appalachian highlands. This 11-year odyssey offers an intimate glimpse into his battle with familial addiction, paralleling the broader narrative of substance abuse and economic distress in America. Here, Curtis' saga becomes a lens for viewing a national challenge, delivered with a unique blend of depth and sensitivity.

Directors Matt Moyer and Amy Toensing, seasoned photojournalists, step into filmmaking with this passion project, showcasing a seamless transition from capturing still images to crafting “moving” stories. Their filmmaking journey commenced unexpectedly in 2012, with Matt encountering J.P., a key figure in Curtis' life. This fortuitous meeting and J.P.'s raw account of his struggle with addiction laid the groundwork for this impactful documentary, with Amy contributing her camera skills for the initial footage.

What sets INHERITANCE apart is its comprehensive approach to dissecting the opioid crisis. Showcasing Curtis' struggles with broader themes of poverty, unemployment, and the legacy of trauma, the film prompts the audience to question the feasibility of overcoming such ingrained societal barriers. The documentary stands out for its commitment to initiating dialogue and fostering understanding rather than offering cut-and-dry solutions. In some situations, a documentary like this could have caused too much interference in the subject's lives to be completely unbiased. For the most part, we see that this film is like being a fly on the wall, observing their journey without trying to change it.

Moyer and Toensing's roots shaped their approach to storytelling in INHERITANCE. Their experiences in capturing real-life stories for local newspapers and National Geographic have endowed them with a profound respect for narrative integrity, empathy, and honoring the dignity of their subjects. This philosophy is more than apparent in their portrayal of Curtis and his family's story, handled with care and respect. This experience covering significant events, such as the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq War, coupled with Toensing's longstanding contributions to National Geographic, adds an extraordinary depth to their documentary filmmaking.

INHERITANCE is a stark reminder of the continuous battles faced by countless children and families trapped in cycles of trauma and substance abuse. Moyer and Toensing aspire to elevate awareness and empathy through this documentary, sparking support and action for families caught in these destructive cycles.

The film transcends the traditional boundaries of documentary filmmaking. It's a story that informs but also emotionally engages and challenges its viewers, illuminating the complexities of addiction and its underlying issues in a manner that's both enlightening and profoundly human.

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[photo courtesy of MILLROCK PRODUCTIONS, CALLIOPE PICTURES]

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