A stark uncompromising look at the realities of domestic violence, Charles Harris’ unflinching drama knits together seven monologues told directly to camera highlighting the nature and psychology surrounding abuse from completely different perspectives; a ten-year old boy talks of moving from refuge to refuge; a 16 year old hairdresser recounts the running battles in her household; a 26 year old woman recalls the violence in her family that drove her to drugs and prostitution; a male lawyer remembers how domestic violence pulled apart his family.
Amid the disturbing tales, there is tender testimony — memories of lost CDs and happier times with grandparents — and the film is particularly good on the mindsets that domestic violence engenders, the meticulous planning required to escape an abusive relationship. If it feels at times a bit theatrical rather than cinematic, it doesn’t detract from the power of the experiences — and all without depicting a single act of violence.
Visit www.ncdv.org or call 08009 702070 for further information.
Silent Voices is available to buy on Amazon