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      Tell Them You Love Me

      2023 1h 40m Documentary List
      Reviews 82% Audience Score Fewer than 50 Ratings Tell Them You Love Me explores the extraordinary story of Anna Stubblefield, an esteemed university professor who becomes embroiled in a controversial affair with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal black man with cerebral palsy. Anna says she unlocked Derrick's mind from his body by teaching him to communicate using a keyboard. But when Derrick's family begin to question his miraculous transformation, and Anna's intentions, it would lead to a criminal trial that would challenge our perceptions of disability and the nature of consent. Through exclusive footage and interviews with those on both sides of the case, this feature documentary weaves a riveting and endlessly nuanced story about communication, race, and sex. Read More Read Less Watch on Netflix Stream Now

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      Tell Them You Love Me

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      Critics Reviews

      View All (1) Critics Reviews
      Nick Schager The Daily Beast Destined—depending on one’s perspective on this matter—to inspire either heartfelt sympathy or blood-boiling outrage. Jun 13, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (8) audience reviews
      Joshua m Fascinating case of moral and legal ambiguity. There is true love which undoubtedly what this professor felt or thinks she felt. It's also disturbing. She would leave her family and children for the alleged victim. Credit to everyone though, for willing to tell their story on camera. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/18/24 Full Review David L Truly sad tale of a therapist and a non-verbal man who enter into a relationship whilst in the midst of their time together. Anna Stubblefield fell in love with Derrick (Dman). She’s an esteemed professor who is highly intelligent. On the other hand, you have Derricks mother and brother. They say they want the best for Dman, but honestly I don’t feel they do. They deprived Derrick of any chance at regular human needs, the need for intimacy and love. They were his gatekeepers, and no one would ever breach that wall. Without giving away the ending, I will say I was thrilled she got an appeal. Again it’s a truly sad tale but gripping and wrestles with plenty of touchy topics. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/17/24 Full Review Audience Member Just watched. I honestly feel like the family really twisted Anna's words and what she meant especially about the "pricking of the finger" thing. The family's religious beliefs definitely impaired their judgements of her. The Mother & Brother seemed to be extremely controlling and unwilling to change. Anna brought the change that was needed in Dman's life, but uncomfortably so. I did not agree with Anna having an affair with Dman, but i do believe every adult has the right to love & to be loved romantically speaking regardless of wether your family wants you to or not. I feel that the family missed the opportunity to really see if Anna's work was making a difference in Dman's life by dismissing her without real evidence of foul play. I absolutely believe Anna and I am glad things ended the way they did. Justice for Anna. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/17/24 Full Review Kevin S Interesting- I like the slow pace. Clever storytelling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/17/24 Full Review Yanelee J It took courage for all parties to relive this experience. It is possible that the emotions of love did exist and it is understandable as to why the family did not allow it to continue. However, the family naturally took the ability for Derrick to “use his own voice”. They categorized him as incompetent, just like everyone else did and did not give him the opportunity to express himself the way he became familiar in doing so. It is possible that “mom knew best” but what if she didn’t? What if she took the only chance he had to be happy? To be loved and cared for by someone other than the immediate family. It’s possible that she took advantage, given her sense of superiority, BUT I truly believed that he was happy, she became his comfort. One has to watch this with an open mind and not naturally point fingers, this isn’t everyone’s norm so it shouldn’t be easily judged. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/17/24 Full Review Emily D I'm torn because I have a non verbal son. She would be a sick monster if he really is incapable of love and passion. BUT... what if he is? And his family robbed him of that??? The things they hid from the initial jury is very questioning. Me, personally, I would like to think that he really did know more than his family believed and that maybe even he loved her.. sad story, any way you chose to look at it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/17/24 Full Review Read all reviews
      Tell Them You Love Me

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Tell Them You Love Me explores the extraordinary story of Anna Stubblefield, an esteemed university professor who becomes embroiled in a controversial affair with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal black man with cerebral palsy. Anna says she unlocked Derrick's mind from his body by teaching him to communicate using a keyboard. But when Derrick's family begin to question his miraculous transformation, and Anna's intentions, it would lead to a criminal trial that would challenge our perceptions of disability and the nature of consent. Through exclusive footage and interviews with those on both sides of the case, this feature documentary weaves a riveting and endlessly nuanced story about communication, race, and sex.
      Director
      Nick August-Perna
      Producer
      Andrea De Brito, Tamara Rosenberg
      Distributor
      Kino Lorber
      Production Co
      Mindhouse Productions, Sky Documentaries
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jun 14, 2024
      Runtime
      1h 40m
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