First of all, my 8 out of 10 does not take into account that this was a made-for-TV movie. It should have been a feature and more people should have seen it. It's a cautionary tale for all women, regardless of race, education, or socioeconomic status. Nancy McKeon is unforgettable as the young woman drawn in by a charismatic but ultimately viciously abusive man intent on owning every facet of her life. It would be a mistake to dismiss this movie as a throw-away, Lifetime stereotype. The weaving of the story, which is to say the unraveling of Thurman's world, is excellent and without obvious sentiment. The truth of this case as a representation of the systematic control by an abuser is without question. However, the real story behind it is the response of the law enforcement community to Thurman's case. Thankfully, in the last 20 years since this movie was made, law enforcement agencies have updated their procedures and strategies in direct response to cases like Tracy Thurman's. But there is more to be done and this movie is still relevant. The pattern of the abuser's manipulation has not changed. Young women can learn a great deal from learning about this case. Finally, this movie has made a permanent impression on me. So much so, in fact, that I am in the process of studying to be a forensic nurse - someone trained to treat medically, and collect evidence from, domestic abuse victims, child abuse victims, and victims of sexual assault. The forensic nurse also represents their evidentiary findings in court. I'm doing this for future women who need help. Because Tracy Thurman sure could have used someone on her side.
A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story
(1989 TV Movie)
The present day relevance of Tracy Thurman's Story
3 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers