Prodigal Sons (film)
Prodigal Sons is a 2008 American documentary film directed by Kimberley Reed. The film chronicles Reed's journey of self-discovery as she returns to her Montana hometown for her high school reunion after transitioning from male to female.
The film primarily focuses on Reed's relationship with her adopted brother, Marc McKerrow, a troubled and charismatic individual who was a high school football star diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and later suffered a traumatic brain injury. The film explores themes of family, identity, gender, mental illness, and the complexities of sibling relationships.
Throughout the film, Reed grapples with her past, her family's history, and the challenges of reconciling her new identity with the expectations of her former self and her hometown. Marc's struggles with mental illness and the lingering effects of his brain injury provide a poignant counterpoint to Reed's own journey of self-acceptance.
Prodigal Sons received critical acclaim for its honest and intimate portrayal of personal struggles and its exploration of complex social issues. It was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and won several other awards.