Netflix Viewers Are Feeling Emotional After Watching ‘The Saddest Film’ Ever

Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like sitting back on your couch with some ice cream, and getting swept up in a movie that truly moves you. Recently, a film on Netflix is making waves for this very reason, tugging at heartstrings and leaving audiences with teary eyes.

Credit: Netflix

The film, celebrated by many for its touching narrative, is being talked about all over social media as ‘bittersweet’ and ‘beautiful’. It seems to resonate deeply with viewers, pulling them through an emotional journey.

Numerous viewers have shared their reactions online. One viewer commented, “I haven’t cried this much in a long time. This movie was truly amazing.” Another noted, “This is the saddest film, but it really opens your eyes. It’s heart-breaking to think an innocent child could suffer so much hatred. It broke my heart.”

Another shared, “The little boy will melt your heart. It’s a beautiful movie.” And yet another viewer described it as, “A bittersweet story that is both heart-wrenching and filled with hope.”

The film is directed by Kenny Mumba from Zambia and written by Andrew and Lawrence Thompson. It takes viewers into the life of a young Zambian boy living with albinism, skillfully portrayed by Thabo Kaamba as a child and George Sikazwe as a young adult.

Albinism is a hereditary condition, typically leading to a lack of melanin in hair, skin, and eyes. According to Mayo Clinic, those with albinism require more protection from the sun due to increased sensitivities and risks of skin cancer.

From the film’s opening scenes, viewers witness the young boy facing rejection, even from his own father. The story further unfolds to reveal a challenging childhood fraught with bullying and tragedy, but not without a hint of cautious optimism.

This dramatic tale is inspired by the real-life experiences of John Chiti, a revered Zambian singer-songwriter who also lives with albinism. In an interview, Chiti shared the difficulties of his early life, explaining, “When I was born, my family was confused. It led to feelings that I didn’t belong, and ultimately to my parents’ divorce.”

In 2008, Chiti founded the Albino Foundation of Zambia to foster awareness and acceptance of people with albinism. Reflecting on his journey, Chiti remarked, “Growing up, I blamed myself for having albinism. I felt like I wasn’t human enough. We don’t need to change; society does. It is their perception that needs to shift.”

People with albinism encounter numerous human rights challenges, including discrimination, stigmatization, and dangerous practices associated with rituals or witchcraft. Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, an independent expert on albinism, shared insights on these issues at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She stated, “For numerous individuals with albinism, daily life consists of ostracism, rejection, and the fear of being harmed just going about their daily routine. This is all due to a condition easily understood through science and genetics.”

Seeing a film like “Can You See Us?” tackling such profound topics highlights its power as a drama. One IMDb review aptly described the film, stating, “It shines a light on the experiences of people with albinism, shedding some well-needed attention on their struggles.

The movie brings to focus the adversities families face concerning rejection, acceptance, love, discrimination, self-discovery, and various other deeply human challenges. Watching this film could spark vital conversations in living rooms around the world.”