Child of Rage (1992)
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A couple adopts two children, only to discover that the younger girl's violent outbursts are a tragic byproduct of a traumatic past.
The story
Jill and Rob Tyler adopt two children, Catherine and Eric. While Eric is a timid child, Catherine—known as 'Cat'—begins exhibiting alarming and violent outbursts of rage. After a series of escalating incidents, including an attack on the family dog and a physical altercation with her brother, the couple seeks professional help. They soon discover that Catherine's behavior is rooted in a history of severe abuse. Faced with the reality of her trauma, the parents must decide how to navigate her treatment and find a way to heal the fractured bond between the siblings and their new family.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Jill and Rob Tyler adopt two children, Catherine and Eric. Catherine's violent outbursts, including an attack on the family dog and an assault on Eric, lead the parents to seek help from a caseworker and a psychologist. The caseworker eventually reveals that the children were rescued from an abusive home where Catherine was severely abused. The couple tracks down Catherine's older sister, Stephanie, who confirms the history of abuse. Following a series of dangerous incidents, including Catherine injuring a classmate, the couple begins 'holding therapy' with Dr. Rosemary Myers. This intensive treatment involves physically restraining Catherine to confront her rage. During these sessions, the truth of her pain is revealed. After a tense incident at a hotel where Catherine nearly attacks Rob, the couple decides to spend individual time with her. A final breakthrough occurs during a session where Catherine finally expresses her love for her parents, leading to a tearful reconciliation.
- First release year
- 1992
- Runtime (minutes)
- 94
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Larry Peerce
- Writers
- Phil Penningroth · writer; Suzette Couture · writer
- Cast and characters
- Mel Harris · Jill Tyler; Dwight Schultz · Rob Tyler; Ashley Peldon · Catherine "Cat" Tyler; Sam Gifaldi · Eric Tyler; Rosanna DeSoto · Doris Hanna; Nan Martin · Barbara Tyler; George D. Wallace · Henry Tyler; Mariette Hartley · Dr. Rosemary Myers
- Genres
- Biography; Drama; Mystery
- Themes
- Child abuse; Trauma; Parenting; Healing
- Tone and mood
- Dramatic; Somber
- Premise and plot tags
- Based on a true story; Psychological drama; Family drama
- Source material / true-story basis
- Childhood of Beth Thomas
- Reception
- The film is based on the true story of Beth Thomas and was preceded by a 1990 documentary.
- Production trivia
- The film was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.; The music in the introduction is from the library music album The Music Box.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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