Even if you do not believe the allegations made against deceased pop icon Michael Jackson, Dan Reed’s provocative documentary Leaving Neverland provides unique insight into the disturbing practice of grooming and the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse.
The four-hour documentary released in two parts, each two hours in length, premiered March 3, 2019 on HBO. The film is centered around the graphic recounts of Australian choreographer Wade Robson and former child dancer James Safechuck.
Both Wade and Robson were introduced to Jackson as young boys, and at the time, each were pursuing careers as dancers. Prior to meeting Jackson, Wade and Robson idolized and often impersonated the musician.
Unfortunately, what followed these chance encounters with an international superstar were decades of alleged sexual, emotional and mental abuse.
In addition to the testimonies of Wade and Safechuck in conjunction with photo, video and audio documentation of their time spent with Jackson, the families of both men were interviewed. It is in these interviews that the viewer begins to understand how Jackson not only romanced the two young boys, but also their entire families.
This active romancing, or borderline brainwashing, by Jackson begins to slowly unravel the mystery as to why the children’s parents allowed them to become so intimate with Jackson in the first place.
As is the tactic of sexual predators, the parents were being groomed alongside their children. This concept of familial grooming is confirmed by Reed’s own synopsis of the documentary.
He describes the film as a “study of the psychology of child sexual abuse, told through two ordinary families who were groomed for 20 years by a pedophile masquerading as a trusted friend.”
I recommend this documentary to those interested in understanding the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. However, this film could be triggering to those who are victims of sexual abuse.
Although extremely graphic in content, Leaving Neverland allows its audience to understand how a successful abuser manipulates and seduces his or her victims.
