By Frank Ochieng
Director Rachel Dretzin’s winning documentary Far From the Tree is a challenging, uplifting and absorbing observation into the indelible mindset of the family structure — mainly concentrating on the emotional and psychological dynamics of familial relationships and how the disconnection of parents and their “unique” offspring cope with existing obstacles. Wonderfully contemplative, sensitive, eye-opening and impactful Far From the Tree skillfully delves into the contrasting theory that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” sentiment to reflect how parents and their children are one in the same is not always necessarily the case. Dretzin’s comprehensive 93-minute narrative sets out to reveal its subject matter’s truths that they live under the umbrella of love, affection, frustration, disillusionment, cynicism, hope and the conquering of human heartache. Thoroughly gripping in warmth and insight, Far From the Tree engages its audience effectively with tenderness, tenacity, and high-spiritedness.
(To read the full review, please visit Screen Anarchy.)
