User reviews

In this documentary, filmmaker Sasha Neulinger takes a brave, bold, and personal look at issues of familial child sexual abuse through his lens and the lens of his father, a videographer who scrupulously filmed family events around the same time as the abuse occurred. As a survivor, Neulinger shines a light on how this abuse can be passed down through generations, even among families that appear "normal" and successful. He also explores the ways in which the criminal justice system re-victimizes the survivor in its attempt to address the issue. Disturbing as the content may be, this film is definitely worth watching for anyone concerned about this important topic.

Unflinching and uncompromising, Rewind is a documentary that isn't afraid to dive deep into the issues of abuse and trauma that it explores across its relatively brief 80 minute runtime as documentarian and main subject Sasha Neulinger delves into his own childhood and his families horrific experiences that spanned generations.

Given access to 100's of hours of home video footage that was shot by his various family members over the course of his childhood and teenage years, Rewind is a unique experience for both Neulinger and us as audience members as we witness first hand the effects of his traumatic childhood events take hold on him, despite these occurrences now years in the past.

Now an advocate and supporter of networks established to support those that have unfortunately become victims of abuse, Neulinger should be commended for opening up the wounds of his past to help heal the present and offer hope for those that to have had their childhoods sullied by the evil acts of others.

We bare witness to Sasha as a care free and happy natured boy that slowly but surely morphs into a repressed and angry being in past footage, while in more present day scenes Sasha interviews those that were prevalent in his life such as his mother, father, therapist and detectives that eventually worked on his case that made headlines across the globe.

Rarely have issues such as the ones raised in Rewind been so openly put forward on film and explored in such a no fuss manner, there's no hidden agendas here or ulterior motives that make themselves apparent, this is simply a warts and all expose of the long-lasting effects and first hand experiences that abuse has on its victims.

It's stirring stuff, heart-wrenching more often than not but its material and subject matter we as humans need to readily explore and understand as to this day actions that we see in Rewind remain far to common in today's society.

Final Say -

Tough viewing but the type of viewing that enhances ones understanding of issues that would be much easier to ignore than confront, Rewind is a gripping documentary and a hugely important one, with credit to Sasha Neulinger who was brave enough to embrace his own past for the betterment of the future.

4 roast turkey's out of 5

Unlike other documentaries on this subject, like LEAVING NEVERLAND, this film spends the time to show evidence and the full emotional impact of its circumstances and the people effected. Most importantly this film discusses the cycle of abuse which sadly remains absent from so many other abuse documentaries. And does all of this while having the director's voice and yet without forcing your opinion of the people involved. Truly it's about the devastating gray area of abuse, not the black and white.

A documentary from a brave person about himself. Hearing the story told in a thoughtful way about his upbringing and full family. It has a clear message and is informative. Very important film that will help people recognize and prevent child abuse.

This was a well done documentary. In fact it is one of the best I have seen lately. It is organized and concise, unlike the others I have seen lately.

Of course the subject matter is upsetting. I'm sure too many families can relate to this. The encouraging side is Sasha. Even during Sasha's darkest times, he did not follow the pattern. He grew up to be a fine, decent, strong and highly intelligent man.. Good for him! I hope he is proud of that fact.

You and your sister are so very brave. Thankyou for sharing your story

There's absolutely no documentation about her ordeal. I get it. It totally sucks and I feel for Sasha but his sisters' story is completely ignored. How is that even possible?

I'm so incredibly sorry to Sasha and his sister for the horrific abuse they endured, and no child should ever have to suffer in silence.

You've brought into the light that which has been buried in darkness, and have shone a brilliant light on to the path that can lead to healing and hopefully prevention of this occurring.

Please continue this important and worthwhile work you've done and continue lighting that path for others to find the courage to overcome these abhorrent crimes.

This was such a well-done and intimate story told in the most compelling manner; from start to end I found myself wholly immersed in the tale and filling with anger and rage at these monsters who betrayed this family. The storyline was concise, direct and makes you feel connected.

While it can be a very difficult story to tell and some tend to carry on with melodramatic and labored points- this absolutely gets to the heart and the soul and you're immediately awash in empathy, apathy and rage for these children and hope when you're left with the closure of the final scenes.

Again, a brilliant film and one that should be mandatory viewing for anyone who doubts this could ever happen to them/their children- because it's much easier than anyone wants to believe and within the blink of an eye, your family is thrust into a tumultuous and chaotic place from which few ever emerge unscathed.

I had a hard time following. A lot of the scenes involving the mother felt so forced that I could hardly take it. Idk man I just don't see how the reviews are so good for this.

Incredibly well made film, especially considering the topic.

Dear lord I cried when that therapist guy talked about the yamaka, and several other times.

We're you one of the people who liked Abducted in Plain Sight? Buckle in because this documentary is Amazon Prime's version of Netflix's roller coaster of a documentary. The details of the abuse in this documentary are literally going to make you sick. I watched while high and sobbed for about 10 minutes. Please watch this documentary.

Just to echo others, amazing and brave to actually put this out there as a cautionary piece. Sasha is one brave dude. Must see for yourself.

Such a brave young man and doing such amazing work today because of what he went through.

As an educator i have seen children endure abuse at the hands of their trusted circles and I found this documentary a powerful voice for the survivors of sexual abuse. What a brave and chilling story.

This isn't easy to watch. It's real, and it is haunting. But, the story is also empowering and optimistic.

This is a story of the cycle of sexual abuse. It's the story of family, and influence. Of silence, and courage.

This isn't easy to watch, but you should.

Very insightful, moving & sometimes hard to watch. A very well made document of what seemed a fairly normal family.

Haunting, gutting, uncomfortable, devastating, and yet it pours out hope and displays the best of humanity all the same. So beautifully well done, in the storytelling and also the cinematography. This needs to be seen by everyone.

P.S If you like "Fear of 13", then this is 100% your speed.