Watch When Innocence is Lost

When Innocence is Lost is a powerful made-for-television movie from 1997 that explores the devastating impact that sexual abuse can have on a family. Starring Keri Russell in one of her early roles, alongside Roberta Maxwell and Vince Corazza, the film is a harrowing tale that is as heart-wrenching as it is important. The story is centered around Erica French, a 14-year-old girl who is living a relatively normal life with her mother and younger brother. But Erica's life is forever changed when she meets the charismatic and charming Michael Clemence at a local roller rink. Despite being nearly twice her age, Michael immediately takes a liking to Erica and begins pursuing her relentlessly, eventually convincing her to enter into a sexual relationship with him.

What follows is a saga of abuse and trauma, as Erica struggles to come to terms with what has happened to her while trying to protect her family from the truth. The film explores the complex emotions and psychological aftermath of sexual abuse in a nuanced and sensitive way, incorporating the perspectives of both Erica and her mother as they navigate the aftermath of the abuse.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its exploration of the subtle ways in which perpetrators of sexual abuse often manipulate and coerce their victims. Michael is not portrayed as a monster, but rather as a complex and flawed human being who is able to use his charm and charisma to mask his abusive behavior. This makes his actions all the more insidious, and underscores the importance of educating people about the warning signs of abuse.

The film also does an excellent job of depicting the way sexual abuse can fracture families and communities. Erica's mother, played by Roberta Maxwell, is forced to confront her own complicity in the abuse, as she struggles to come to terms with how she inadvertently allowed Michael into their lives. Meanwhile, the small town where they live is torn apart as rumors and accusations begin to swirl around the case.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is not without moments of hope and redemption. Keri Russell gives a powerhouse performance as Erica, conveying the character's complex emotions with nuance and subtlety. The film also does an excellent job of showing the various ways in which survivors of sexual abuse can find healing and support, whether through therapy, advocacy groups, or simply the love and commitment of family and friends.

Overall, When Innocence is Lost is a powerful and important film that shows the devastating impact sexual abuse can have on individuals and families, while also offering a glimmer of hope for those affected. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the far-reaching repercussions of sexual abuse, and a reminder that these issues are not just confined to headlines, but affect real people in real communities every single day.

When Innocence is Lost is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.