Kingdom of Us ( 2017 )

Kingdom of Us: A Deep Dive into Grief, Resilience, and Family

Kingdom of Us, a 2017 British documentary directed by Lucy Cohen, is a profoundly moving and intimate portrayal of a family navigating the aftermath of their father’s suicide. The film, meticulously crafted from over a decade of home video footage, offers an unprecedented and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of Vikki, her seven children, and their journey through grief, healing, and the rediscovery of their family bond. Unlike many documentaries that rely on external narratives and expert commentary, Kingdom of Us allows the family's own voices and experiences to shape the story, resulting in a raw, authentic, and deeply affecting cinematic experience.

Synopsis: A Family Unraveling and Rebuilding

The film opens with the devastating revelation of Paul, the father, taking his own life. We are immediately immersed in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, witnessing Vikki’s strength and vulnerability as she grapples with the monumental task of supporting her seven children, each processing their grief in their own unique way. The children, ranging in age from young adulthood to childhood, include Paul Jr., Clover, Karl, Lauren, Lorie, Mirie, and Kacie. The film chronicles their individual struggles, their collective attempts to understand their father's actions, and their gradual journey towards healing and rediscovering their identity as a family unit. The home videos, spanning many years before and after Paul's death, provide context for the family's dynamics, revealing moments of joy, connection, and the subtle underlying tensions that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Themes Explored in Kingdom of Us

Kingdom of Us delves into several complex and universal themes, making it a powerful and resonant film for a wide audience. These themes include:

• Grief and Mourning: The film offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of the grieving process, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals cope with loss. It shows that grief is not linear, and that there is no right or wrong way to mourn. The film captures the raw emotions of sadness, anger, confusion, and denial, and demonstrates how these emotions can manifest differently within the same family.
• Family Resilience: Despite the profound trauma they experience, the family demonstrates remarkable resilience and a deep commitment to supporting one another. The film highlights the power of family bonds to help individuals overcome adversity and find strength in the face of unimaginable loss.
• Mental Health and Suicide: Kingdom of Us raises important questions about mental health and suicide. While it doesn't explicitly offer answers, it sheds light on the devastating impact of suicide on families and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. The film also subtly explores the potential contributing factors to Paul's suicide, including possible undiagnosed mental health conditions and underlying family dynamics.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: The film follows the children as they grapple with their identities in the wake of their father's death. They struggle to understand who they are without him and how to move forward with their lives. The film highlights the importance of self-discovery and the process of finding one's own path, even in the midst of profound grief.
• The Power of Memory and Storytelling: The home video footage serves as a powerful tool for memory and storytelling. It allows the family to revisit past moments, both happy and sad, and to piece together a more complete understanding of their lives. The film demonstrates how memories can shape our identities and help us make sense of the past.

Character Analysis

While Kingdom of Us focuses on the family as a whole, each member emerges as a distinct individual with their own unique personality and way of coping with grief. Here's a brief look at some of the key figures:

• Vikki: The matriarch of the family, Vikki is a pillar of strength and resilience. She provides unwavering support to her children while simultaneously navigating her own grief and the challenges of single parenthood. Her love and dedication to her children are evident throughout the film.
• Paul Jr.: As the eldest child, Paul Jr. carries a significant burden of responsibility. He often acts as a surrogate father figure to his younger siblings and grapples with the complex emotions of anger and loss.
• Clover: Clover, a sensitive and artistic soul, uses creativity as a means of expressing her emotions and processing her grief. She provides moments of levity and hope amidst the sadness.
• Karl: Karl's journey is particularly poignant, as he is diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder) and struggles to understand his father's actions and the emotional complexities surrounding his death. The film highlights the challenges faced by individuals with autism in navigating grief and social situations.
• Lauren: Lauren displays a quiet strength and resilience, often serving as a source of support for her siblings. Her journey involves coming to terms with her father's death and finding her own path forward.
• Lorie, Mirie, and Kacie: These younger children offer a unique perspective on grief, often expressing their emotions through play and innocent observations. Their resilience and ability to find joy in simple things are a testament to the power of childhood.

The Use of Home Video Footage

The documentary's unique strength lies in its extensive use of home video footage. This raw and intimate material provides an unparalleled glimpse into the family's life before and after Paul's death. The home videos offer several key advantages:

• Authenticity: The footage captures genuine moments of joy, sadness, and everyday life, unfiltered by external narratives or commentary. This authenticity allows viewers to connect with the family on a deeper level and to empathize with their experiences.
• Context: The home videos provide context for the family's dynamics and relationships. They reveal the bonds of love and connection that existed before the tragedy, as well as the subtle tensions that may have contributed to Paul's suicide.
• Memory and Remembrance: The footage serves as a powerful tool for memory and remembrance. It allows the family to revisit past moments and to keep Paul's memory alive.
• Emotional Impact: The intimate nature of the footage amplifies the emotional impact of the film. Viewers are drawn into the family's world and experience their grief and healing firsthand.

Reception and Critical Acclaim

Kingdom of Us has received widespread critical acclaim for its honesty, intimacy, and emotional impact. Critics have praised the film's director, Lucy Cohen, for her sensitive and respectful approach to the subject matter. The film has also been lauded for its authentic portrayal of grief and family resilience. It holds a high rating on review aggregation websites, with many critics highlighting its profound emotional resonance and its ability to spark important conversations about mental health and suicide.

Impact and Legacy

Kingdom of Us has had a significant impact on audiences around the world. The film has resonated with viewers who have experienced loss and trauma, and it has sparked important conversations about mental health, suicide, and the importance of family support. The film has also been used as a tool for grief counseling and support groups, providing a relatable and authentic portrayal of the grieving process. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to foster empathy, understanding, and hope in the face of profound loss.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Aspects

To further illustrate the themes and impact of Kingdom of Us, the following tables provide detailed breakdowns of specific aspects of the film:

Table 1: Individual Grief Responses

Table 2: Evolution of Family Dynamics

Table 3: Key Moments from Home Video Footage

Conclusion

Kingdom of Us is more than just a documentary; it's a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and the enduring strength of family bonds. By offering an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of Vikki and her seven children, the film provides a profound and moving exploration of grief, healing, and the rediscovery of identity. Its raw honesty and emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience, one that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. The film's use of home video footage creates an unparalleled sense of authenticity and intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with the family on a deeply personal level. Kingdom of Us is a must-see for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of grief, family, and the complexities of the human experience.