My wife and I recently watched the docuseries Daughters (2024) on Netflix. The story centers around a program initiated in Virginia and implemented at a prison in Washington, DC. The program helps inmates understand the importance of fatherhood, offering their daughters the chance to participate in a prison-based daddy/daughter dance. Throughout the series, we follow the fathers as they engage in various lessons, witnessing the frustrations of the young girls in their lives and the glimmer of hope both sides share for a brighter future.
Co-created by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, the docuseries does an excellent job of focusing on the mindsets and lifestyles of both the fathers and daughters. I was impressed by how well the documentary stays on topic, avoiding the fathers' past mistakes or the reasons for their incarceration. Instead, it explores how fathers impact their daughters' lives-sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. We see the emotional gaps in the little girls' souls and the potential for them to inspire their dads to adopt a better mindset and approach to life. Some situations are hopeful, others frustrating, but all are sad, leaving you hoping they can find peace and a path forward.
In conclusion, Daughters is a well-executed documentary on a unique topic that deserves the attention it receives. I'd rate it 9/10 and strongly recommend it.