Raising Renee

Raising Renee is an acclaimed 2011 documentary directed by filmmaker Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan. Throughout its 78-minute runtime, the film presents a touching human drama that explores themes of familial bond, sense of responsibility, and resilience.

Raising Renee follows the life journey of two sisters—Beverly McIver, a successful artist, and her intellectually disabled sister, Renee McIver. The narrative hinges on the promise Beverly made to their ailing mother, Ethel, to take care of Renee, who has the mental capacity of a third grader. With their mother's passing, Beverly's life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself in a caregiver role, raising Renee while also trying to navigate her rising career as an artist.

Beverly McIver is an established African American painter, celebrated for her bold and emotional work. Her paintings often represent her personal experiences as an African American woman. The professional terrain she maneuvers is dominated by predominantly white and male artists, adding another significant layer of challenge to Beverly's journey.

Roni Bryant has a key role in this film as a supportive voice that offers guidance to Beverly. Despite her initial doubts, Bryant encourages Beverly in her newfound role as a caregiver. She reassures her, asserting that Beverly has what it takes to be Renee's caregiver. Her role in the movie provides a side of wisdom and comfort amidst the turbulent changes in Beverly's life.

The film is not just about Beverly's responsibility towards her sister, but it is also about her unfaltering commitment to her art. As she wrestles with the challenges of raising Renee, she begins to channel her own struggles into her creative output. Raising Renee also presents interesting insights into Beverly's career as an artist. The thought-provoking dilemmas she faces between balancing familial duties with her professional aspirations spark interesting contemplations about the struggle women often grapple with.

Throughout the film, there is a delicate exploration of African American culture, their experiences, and the inherent systemic prejudices. Blending the personal with Beverly's artistic perspective, the film-makers manage to project a multi-dimensional view of the experiences of African American women.

Raising Renee adopts a thoughtful approach, interspersing the narration with clips of home movies, interviews, and McIver's paintings. Skillfully, the film intertwines these aspects to create a heartfelt narrative that appeals to viewers. The visuals and soundtrack immerse the audience in the sisters' world, their determination, their sorrows, their joys, and their victories, making for a compelling viewing experience.

The depiction of Renee is an essentials aspect of the film. She is presented not as a burden, but as an individual with her own dreams, fears, and desires. The filmmakers approach her character with unpretentious equality, inviting viewers to witness her journey and growth with the same amount of interest and empathy as they would for any other character.

Raising Renee explores multiple facets of these sisters' lives over six years. The narrative delves deep into their world, capturing intimate, solemn, joyful, and even mundane moments. The all-consuming question in the film is not if Beverly will be able to fulfil her promise to her mother, but rather how the promise will affect her life and Renee's life in the long run.

Ultimately, Raising Renee is a poignant, uplifting film that offers a rare glimpse into the intertwined lives of two sisters. Despite the trials they face, their spirit remains unbroken, their bond unshaken. This documentary is a remarkable blend of personal narration and universal experiences that will resonate with viewers long after they are done watching it. Whether you're a fan of profound human stories, care about issues around disability, or are captivated by the world of art, Raising Renee offers something for everyone. It serves as a testament to the incredible depth of human resilience, family ties, and the transformative power of art.