Watch Raising Renee

The documentary film Raising Renee follows the life of Beverly McIver, an African-American artist from North Carolina. Beverly was raised in a working-class family and faced several challenges throughout her upbringing, including poverty, racism, and domestic violence. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to pursue her passion for art and eventually became a successful painter and art professor.

One of Beverly's most significant influences was her younger sister Renee, who was born with a mental disability and needed constant care from their mother, Ethel. Renee had a childlike personality and was often misunderstood by others, but she had a profound impact on Beverly's life and artwork.

The film begins with Beverly's mother, Ethel, passing away from cancer, leaving Renee alone and vulnerable. Beverly is faced with a difficult decision - whether to honor her mother's wishes and take care of Renee or to continue focusing on her career and personal life.

Beverly ultimately decides to take on the responsibility of caring for Renee full-time, a decision that will change her life forever. The film documents their unique relationship as sisters, as well as the challenges they face in navigating Renee's intellectual disability and the impact it has on their lives.

One of the major themes of the film is the intersection of art and disability, as Beverly explores how her artwork can both represent and challenge perceptions of people with disabilities. She creates several portraits of Renee, showcasing her vibrant personality and helping others see her as more than just a "disabled person."

The film also delves into the broader issues of caring for a family member with a disability, including the financial burden it can place on caregivers and the limited resources available to support them. Beverly struggles to find affordable and accessible housing for Renee, and their relationship is further challenged when Renee's health begins to decline.

Throughout the film, we see the love and dedication that Beverly has for her sister, as well as the toll it takes on her personal and professional life. She must balance her art career, her relationship with her partner, and her responsibilities as a caregiver, all while facing the harsh realities of the healthcare system and societal attitudes towards disability.

The film concludes on a bittersweet note, as Beverly must make yet another difficult decision about Renee's future. She grapples with the fear of losing her sister and the guilt of potentially letting her down, but ultimately makes a choice that honors their bond and showcases the strength of their family.

Overall, Raising Renee is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that sheds light on the experiences of families caring for loved ones with disabilities. Through Beverly and Renee's story, we see the importance of compassion, resilience, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Raising Renee is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.