Do
I Have to Kill My Child (1976)
Director
- Donald Crombie
Writer - Anne Deveson, Donald Crombie
Starring
- Willie Fennell, Brendon Lunney, Jacki Weaver
Review by Noel Baily
Searing
human drama about a woman crying out for help in a domestic
situation way beyond her control
This award-winning film depicts the plight of a young woman
who takes out her frustrations on her baby, unable to cope
with the rigors of motherhood.
Jacki
Weaver is excellent as the woman cast adrift in a sea of complete
desperation as she is presented with a third child she did
not want (in too few years) and her resulting emotional breakdown
sees her enter a new sphere of anxiety which culminates in
her baby being bashed. Neither her husband, mother, neighbors
or even clinic sister understand what is happening in their
midst, until the baby is admitted to hospital with a fractured
skull.
A
serious and unpleasant social issue is deftly handled here
and director Crombie has researched his subject well. Responsibly
made and not far off essential viewing for prospective mothers,
husbands, neighbors, clinic sisters etc.
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