Rewind

Rewind is a harrowing and deeply personal documentary released in 2019. The film is directed by Sasha Joseph Neulinger, who turns the camera on himself and his family to dissect the devastating child abuse that marked their lives and unravel the intricacies of their relationships. Featuring Sasha himself, Henry Nevison, and Howard Nevison among its key participants, Rewind is a masterclass in investigative self-documentary that dives into the darkest aspects of human life and emerges with profound insights and invaluable life lessons.

The narrative of Rewind emerges out of countless hours of home videos, audio recordings, and contemporary interviews, which Neulinger skillfully weaves together into a cohesive chronicle. By showcasing various stages of his life through these artifacts, Neulinger crafts a rich visual tapestry of personal history, family dynamics, and the haunting legacy of distressed childhood.

Rewind isn't just a memory-lane driven exercise but an attempt to uncover truths buried deep beneath the surface of familial relations. At the same time, Neulinger manages to balance the deeply personal and emotionally charged revelations with an objective lens. This allows the audience to engage with the story while also acknowledging its broader sociocultural repercussions.

The content addressed in Rewind is heavy and often difficult to digest. Child abuse, trauma, and the painstaking process of healing and seeking justice are at the film’s heart. Neulinger's portrayal of these themes, however, is marked by an exceptional grace and resilience that keep the viewer emotionally invested and intellectually stimulated. He presents an honest and vulnerable account, baring his soul to raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of confronting the past to heal.

The documentary  proves to be a formative exploration of the bonds of family, the damaging effects of trauma, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. With its raw and deeply intimate narrative, the film pushes boundaries and redefines the scope of traditional documentary filmmaking, ensuring that the story resonates with audiences far and wide.

Rewind begins with Sasha’s early life, being born into a family of gifted musicians marked by a culture of achievement and expectation. He then takes the viewer through his traumatic journey, detailing the child abuse he and his sister experienced at the hands of two relatives. Through his painstaking first-person narrative and by utilizing the vast archive of video footage captured by his father, a television producer, Neulinger untangles a daunting web of family secrets and strives for justice and reconciliation.

The child abuse left scars not only on the children but also on their parents, who grapple with guilt, betrayal, and helplessness. Rewind explores these complexities with an unwavering commitment, pushing the boundaries of personal exposure while maintaining a compassionate and empathetic perspective.

Rewind doesn’t just tell a story of abuse, but it underscores the cyclical nature of trauma and the importance of breaking the cycle. By blending past and present, Neulinger illuminates not only his own path to recovery but also illustrates how one can leverage personal adversity into a platform for change.

The narrative of Rewind seamlessly integrates the protagonist's own intimate experiences with an exploration of broader societal issues, placing individual experiences in a much larger context. Neulinger’s journey reflects a larger societal problem that requires immediate attention and action. Through sharing his own traumatic past, Neulinger makes a universal appeal for dialogue around child abuse and the urgent need for measures to stop it.

The presence of Howard Nevison as a central figure in the film, renowned as a cantor and accused of child molestation, adds another deeply real and tragic layer to the narrative. His participation brings additional depth to the already intimate and personal story, filling the viewer with a tangible sense of uneasiness and further underlining the complexities of the narrative.

Rewind is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking that provides a searing, unflinching look at the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse. However, despite its grim subject matter, at its core, the film is an inspiring journey towards restoration and peace. Through his own brave account, Sasha Joseph Neulinger encourages other survivors to seek justice, break the silence, and begin their own paths towards healing.