Trigger warning: This series and review reference acts of sexual, child abuse, and manipulation.
A Friend of the Family is one of the most frustrating, heartbreaking, and disturbing TV series I’ve watched recently (and maybe ever). That isn’t something I say lightly. It has some of the best performances I’ve seen, which makes it even more impactful.
In a community where people trust one another and families have close-knit relationships with neighbors and fellow churchgoers, no one expects something like this to happen. If you haven’t read the book or seen the documentary prior, this will undoubtedly shock you. Even if you have, it’ll still shake you. The levels that our villainous character goes to manipulate, punish and control are beyond comprehension.
In fact, the series starts off with the woman on who this story is based, Jan Broberg, introducing the story. A brave and inspiring woman who has done and continues to do a lot for those who have suffered sexual abuse.
I can’t remember the last time I saw someone as deplorable as Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy) on screen. In one of the evilest and crafty portrayals, Lacy, still wearing his winning smile and charismatic personality, is jarring when you begin to see his duplicitous side. But, let’s back up.
Those You Think You Know
The Brobergs, Bob Broberg (Colin Hanks) and Mary Ann Broberg (Anna Paquin), and their children have a close bond with the Berchtold’s Robert (Lacy) and his wife Gail (Lio Tipton). So, when Robert, commonly referred to as “B” takes their young daughter Jan Broberg (Hendrix Yancey) to ride horses, they say yes. When it’s been hours and they don’t come back, they begin to worry, but even then, don’t know what’s really begun between them.
When more and more time has gone by, it’s clear he has kidnapped her (something he will later do a second time) with his wife admitting some strange things she had noticed, and his previous mental illness.
The layers of A Friend of the Family seemingly never stop, and the way the creators deliver us information is done in an incredibly tense, peeling, fashion that makes our skin crawl. We learn the depth of his coercion, not just on Jan, which is horrifying enough, but the whole Broberg family. He has thought everything through and leaves trails of destruction everywhere he goes.
A Friend of the Family shows the psychological torment he inflicts, and as Jan gets older, played by McKenna Grace, it permeates into every aspect of her life. She not only looks at the world differently but her own family. FBI agent Pete Welsh (Austin Stowell) becomes very invested in this case and is one of the few that sees through B’s facade. Through this grim telling of real events we still only feel and learn a portion of it, and the fact that this occurred and continued for as long as it does is truly devastating.
The song choices are so astutely chosen, most of the time it feels like they are spilling out of our heads. The visual style, color schemes, costume and set designs are all achingly effective. Even the title design looks like it’s from the 70s. Also, a nice touch, they even use the older Peac*ck logo before the episode. There is a lot of detail, thought, and sensitivity that has gone into this series, and it shows.
McKenna Grace gives a truly harrowing performance as the older Jan, and both Paquin and Hanks give emotional and compelling portrayals. Lacy, who, with the exception of White Lotus season 1 usually plays affable roles, really shows his range. There are moments you will want to shout at the screen while being truly disgusted with his character. It isn’t always easy to do this and he is mighty convincing.
The limited series is nine episodes long and each one gives us another piece of this unsettling true story. Created by Nick Antosca and with the episodes split with direction by four voices (all impressively consistent but still unique) by Eliza Hittman, Rachel Goldberg, Steven Piet, Jamie Travis, and Lauren Wolkstein this is a powerful dramatic experience.
Conclusion: The Friend of Family
This is a series that features some of the best performances and filmmaking on television this year, but it’s also a relentless nightmare to take in. The Friend of the Family goes places you don’t expect, handling the devastation and horror brought on by a terrifying predator with sincerity and genuine care for those who experienced it. This is a very difficult watch delivered with excellence on all creative ends. And my heart truly goes out to this family and the others affected.
Did you see it? What were your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
A Friend of the Family is currently streaming on Peac*ck.
The Jan Broberg Foundation website can be found here.
Watch A Friend of the Family
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