It's a beautiful, meaningful film that powerfully illustrates what it's like to be different for those who are different and their families.

| Original Score: 3.0/4.0 | Sep 7, 2020

Far From the Tree is hopeful, honest, raw in its intimacy, and it allows its subjects to go through unremarkable and remarkable days, so we get a better sense of how accomplished and dignified these folks are.

| Jun 23, 2020

Far from the Tree is a sensitively rendered film, with moments of intense emotion- thanks largely to director Rachel Dretzin's ability to capture the moments of grace...

| Mar 23, 2020

A serious and unpatronizing take on a difficult topic.

| Mar 4, 2020

Far From the Tree offers invigorating examples of people who leave behind their preconceptions and projections to proudly celebrate who they are. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 8, 2019

The most life-affirming documentary that will resonate with anyone who has felt or is looking for the magnitude of unconditional love.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Aug 19, 2019

Far from the Tree is largely inspiring, especially when Dretzin puts her subjects front and center.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 25, 2019

Convincingly introspective and empathetic, Far From the Tree is blessed with putting forth the trials and tribulations of the family foundation mired in complexity, adversity, curiosity, commitment, loyalty, and vulnerability.

| Nov 6, 2018

I was easily moved by the individuals at hand, but one could only wish the cursory mini-documentations were stretched out and allowed to breathe and speak on their own terms.

| Original Score: C+ | Oct 17, 2018

A valuable and fascinating voice for issues that get at the heart of the relationship between parents and children, and how powers beyond our control can strain even the strongest bonds of affection.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 27, 2018

... thoughtful but somewhat disjointed documentary...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 23, 2018

It's a complex idea, presented with simplicity.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 17, 2018

It is impossible not to be inspired by the humanity on display in the film. The dignity of these individuals, all of whom want the right to just be who they are, comes across clearly. That is the strength of this very flawed, but highly compelling film.

| Aug 14, 2018

It could have used a tighter focus in spots, yet manages some powerful sequences that run the emotional gamut.

| Aug 10, 2018

...[the stories] in the film seem to have been chosen with a view to creating maximum uplift, which can be either inspiring or cloying, depending on your taste in such matters.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Aug 10, 2018

You can't help but empathize with the people you'll meet in Far From the Tree, but Dretzin, whose multi-subject approach sometimes feels sketchy, doesn't devote much time to the financial burdens these families face.

| Aug 9, 2018

Smith's perspective on parenthood is enlightening.

| Original Score: 7.9/10 | Aug 6, 2018

This film shows that love doesn't necessarily conquer all, but it absolutely helps.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 6, 2018

Far From the Tree should be required viewing for all, but be warned, side effects include a lump in the throat, goosebumps, and occasional teary eyes.

| Aug 6, 2018

It's sloppy, disjointed and rambling ... but given the level of empathy her collection of stories stirs, it can't be fully dismissed.

| Original Score: C | Aug 5, 2018