Coming Home: A Family's Reckoning (Trailer Review)
The YouTube trailer for the film "Coming Home (2017)" presents a family drama. A central conflict revolves around a strained father-daughter relationship marked by neglect and abuse. The daughter grapples with unresolved trauma and the complexities of forgiveness, as evidenced by her ambivalent feelings surrounding her father's funeral. The trailer hints at themes of workaholism, family dysfunction, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. The dialogue suggests a difficult reconciliation between the daughter and her deceased father, and the broader struggles faced by the family.
Exploring Themes of Family, Trauma, and Absence in "Coming Home" (2017)
This briefing doc examines the trailer for the film "Coming Home" (2017), analyzing key themes and ideas presented through dialogue and character interactions.
Core Themes:
Fractured Family Relationships: The trailer highlights a family deeply affected by past trauma and unresolved conflict. The deceased father is described as physically abusive ("hitting us when we were younger") and emotionally absent ("never did anything about him"). This history of abuse has clearly left lasting scars on his children, particularly the protagonist.
Evasive Coping Mechanisms: The protagonist, Emily, appears to cope with her painful past through workaholism and physical distance from her family. Her sister accuses her of "running away from everyone and working yourself to death." This suggests a pattern of avoidance and difficulty confronting the emotional fallout of their childhood.
Guilt and Responsibility: The dialogue hints at a complex dynamic between Emily and her mother. Emily prioritizes her own family ("Emily comes first, remember that"), potentially causing tension with her mother who seems burdened by the responsibility of dealing with their father's passing and the church's involvement ("the church is hosting his funeral"). This suggests a possible conflict surrounding who bears the responsibility of caring for their mother and confronting their shared past.
Key Questions Raised:
How will the family navigate the emotional complexities of their father's funeral?
Will Emily confront her past trauma and find a way to reconnect with her family?
How will the church's involvement impact the family's grieving process and their attempts to heal?
Important Quotes:
"So what happens when you never come around?" - This statement highlights the protagonist's absence and the resentment it has created within the family.
"I just wanted a father who loved me and spent time with me without hitting the church." - This reveals the deep yearning for a loving and present father figure, a need that went unmet.
"Emily comes first, remember that." - This emphasizes the protagonist's prioritization of her own family, potentially at the expense of her relationship with her mother and siblings.
Overall Impression:
The trailer for "Coming Home" suggests a powerful and emotionally charged narrative about a family grappling with the legacy of abuse, neglect, and unresolved grief. It raises intriguing questions about the characters' journeys towards healing and reconciliation.