Raising Renee gives an incredibly honest and intimate portrait of two sisters vying for their own independence whether they know it or not. Award-winning husband and wife team Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan spent six years following artist/teacher Beverly McIver coping with her new responsibilities as caretaker of her older, mentally-disabled sister, Renee.
Growing up in the heavily segregated town of Greensboro, North Carolina, Beverly always wanted to move away and create a life of her own. Her and her two sisters, Roni and Renee, were raised single-handed by their mother, Ethel, after their father left. As a painter, Beverly’s art is very much tied to her family in that all the paintings shown are of her mother, Renee, or other members of her family. As much as Beverly sees herself as different and independent from them, it’s clear they are always on her mind.
Just when Beverly’s career is really taking off, her mother becomes ill and then she’s suddenly asked to fulfill a promise she made to her mother to take care of Renee. Beverly, a forty-something, single, independent woman, values her solitude as a painter, so a new roommate for whom she has to take care of, throws her world upside down. From the very beginning, the film grips you with Beverly’s honesty towards her sister. Beverly and Renee have never had a sisterly bond and it’s refreshing for Beverly to be so open about her emotions and not be apologetic.
Renee, having lived with her mother all her life, never imagined being able to take care of herself. She is thrilled when given the opportunity to live with her sister as she clearly sees her as a role model. The film is not about how Renee changed Beverly’s life, but rather about how Beverly helped Renee be a more independent person. The filmmakers capture life as it happens with most of the narrative coming from Beverly, however, there are several instances where Renee’s admiration and need for approval from her sister are clear. I really enjoyed Renee’s side of the story and wish there could have been a way to explore it more.
Not really a “feel good” documentary, this film is able to show a real-life situation and how it can effect those around you while still maintaining humanity while not going for twists and turns for dramatic effect.
Raising Renee premieres Wednesday, February 22, 2012 on HBO.
Rating: Decidedly honest and unapologetic. 8/10
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