Kingdom of Us is not just a documentary that tells the story of a family; it plunges us into the deep wounds caused by the loss of a loved one. After the father's death, the Shanks family must face both financial problems and psychological scars affecting every member. The film uses home video footage and present-day moments to create a picture that is both painful and beautiful of healing.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Kingdom of Us follows the life of Vicky Shanks, a single mother with seven children, after her husband Paul Shanks committed suicide on Halloween night 2004. This death forces the family to move out of their large home and live in hardship. The film takes us back to the time when Paul was alive through home videos, intercut with the present where each member tries to move forward. Bitter memories and complex relationships are gradually revealed without judgment, prompting us to question the nature of grief and forgiveness.
Performance and Characters
Although a documentary, every member of the Shanks family has a distinct and memorable personality. Vicky, the mother, shows strength mixed with vulnerability, while each child faces different inner conflicts, from the emotionally intense Laurie-Leanne to the quiet Nikita-Nina. Each gets space to tell their own story through the camera, making us feel deeply connected and empathetic. The film's refusal to guide or provide answers forces us to interpret and question ourselves.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Lucy Cohen chooses home video footage as the heart of the film, making us feel like part of the family. The self-shot footage feels authentic and intimate, while the present-day shots by the crew are beautiful and layered. The simple yet touching musical score enhances emotions without overdoing it. The seamless editing makes the transitions between past and present smooth and not confusing.
Editorial Analysis
Kingdom of Us is not just a documentary about suicide; it is a lesson on healing and family connection. The film prompts us to question how we remember those who have passed and how those memories affect us. Interestingly, the film does not try to find fault or point fingers but lets each family member tell their own story, showing that no one is right or wrong—only pain that takes time to heal. Additionally, the film reflects the impact of mental health issues on those around, especially children who may not understand what happened. This film is a valuable reminder that love and forgiveness are the only ways to move through loss.
Verdict
Kingdom of Us is a powerful documentary worth watching for those who enjoy family films or want to understand the nature of grief. Though the pacing is a bit slow, the sincere and profound storytelling will make it hard to forget.
👍 Pros
- +Intimate and emotionally accessible storytelling
- +Use of home footage enhances realism
- +Every character is dimensional and memorable
👎 Cons
- −Pacing is quite slow, may not suit some viewers
- −Some issues are left unanswered, may leave you hanging
Top Cast
FAQ
It is available on Netflix for subscribers.
It is a documentary film with a runtime of 109 minutes, single episode.
Yes, it is the true story of the Shanks family living in England.
