Watch Why Can't We Be a Family Again?

Why Can't We Be a Family Again? is a moving and poignant documentary that explores the effects of addiction on families, and the possibilities for healing and hope. Directed by Roger Weisberg, the film follows the lives of several families who have been torn apart by drug and alcohol abuse, and who are struggling to find a way back to each other.

The centerpiece of the film is the story of the Davis family, whose experience with addiction led to the death of both parents, leaving their six children to fend for themselves. The oldest of the children, Ossie Davis, tells his story in his own words, interspersed with photographs and home movies from his childhood. He describes how his mother was addicted to heroin and alcohol, and how he and his siblings often went hungry or were left alone for days at a time when his parents were high or drunk.

Despite these challenges, Ossie and his siblings remained close and supportive of each other. They banded together to try and help their parents get sober, and they learned to fend for themselves and take care of each other when their parents were unable to do so. However, when their father died of a drug overdose, and their mother died of liver disease caused by her addiction, the family was shattered. Ossie and his siblings were forced to live apart, and they struggled with the pain and trauma of their childhood for many years.

The film also follows the stories of other families impacted by addiction, including a father and son who are both recovering from methamphetamine addiction; a mother and daughter who are trying to rebuild their relationship after years of estrangement caused by the mother's alcoholism; and a group of siblings who are grappling with the legacy of their father's addiction and abuse.

Throughout the film, we see the toll that addiction takes on families, and the ways in which it can fracture relationships and leave deep scars that last for years. However, we also see the resilience and strength of these families, and the power of love and connection to overcome even the most difficult challenges.

One of the strengths of the film is its honesty and authenticity. The interviews with the family members and individuals in recovery are unvarnished and raw, and they give a sense of the complexity and messiness of addiction and its aftermath. Similarly, the use of home movies and family photographs gives a sense of the intimacy and humanity of the people involved, and makes their struggles all the more poignant.

At the heart of the film is the question posed by its title: why can't we be a family again? It's a question that resonates deeply for anyone who has experienced the pain of addiction and its impact on family relationships. The film doesn't offer any easy answers, but it does offer hope and inspiration for those who are struggling with addiction or helping a loved one to recover.

Overall, Why Can't We Be a Family Again? is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an important and often-overlooked aspect of addiction. Its message of love, resilience, and hope is a valuable one for anyone who has been touched by this issue.