Watch Knots: A Forced Marriage Story

Knots: A Forced Marriage Story is a heart-wrenching documentary film that explores the devastating impact of forced marriage on women in the United States. Directed by Kate Ryan Brewer, the film highlights the stories of three brave women - Fraidy Reiss, Sara Tasneem, and Nina Van Harn - who not only survived forced marriage but also became advocates for others facing the same ordeal.

The film takes a deep dive into the legal and cultural systems in the United States that enable forced marriages to occur and thrive. It also highlights the enormous challenges faced by young women who find themselves trapped in a forced marriage, from physical and emotional abuse to isolation from friends and family.

The film's opening scene introduces us to Fraidy Reiss, a survivor of forced marriage who has dedicated her life to helping other women in similar situations. Through interviews with Fraidy, we learn about her own experiences and the immense courage it took for her to leave her abusive husband and start a new life.

Next, the film introduces us to Sara Tasneem, who was just 15 years old when she was forced to marry a man twice her age. Through interviews with Sara and her family, the film explores the cultural and religious factors that contributed to her forced marriage, including the belief that a woman's worth lies in her virginity and her ability to bear children.

We also meet Nina Van Harn, who was raised in a strict Christian community that promoted early marriage as a way to avoid premarital sex. Through interviews with Nina and her family, the film explores the damaging impact of this belief on young women, who are often forced to sacrifice their education and career aspirations in order to marry young and start a family.

Throughout the film, we see footage of the women and their families as they navigate the complicated legal system in the United States in order to escape their forced marriages. We also see the immense toll that forced marriage has taken on these women, from the physical scars of abuse to the psychological trauma of being coerced into a life they never wanted.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Knots: A Forced Marriage Story is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. Through their own experiences and their advocacy work, Fraidy, Sara, and Nina have become powerful voices in the fight against forced marriage in the United States. The film ends with a message of empowerment and a call to action for viewers to join the fight for women's rights and against forced marriage.

Overall, Knots: A Forced Marriage Story is a must-watch for anyone interested in human rights, women's rights, or social justice. The film is a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense adversity, there is always hope and the possibility for change. It is a testament to the bravery and resilience of survivors of forced marriage and a call to action for all of us to stand up for human rights and against injustice.

Knots: A Forced Marriage Story is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.