Tell Them You Love Me review: The controversial tale of facilitated communication and scandal

Tell Them You Love Me was released on Netflix on June 14. The film explores a complex and controversial story, depicting the affair between American philosophy professor Anna Stubblefield and the severely disabled Derrick Johnson. It is based on the true case and trial of Anna Stubblefield.

Johnson, born with cerebral palsy, needed constant care and could not speak. Professor Stubblefield, who specialized in philosophy and disability studies, began using facilitated communication to help Johnson communicate.

As Johnson started expressing his thoughts and feelings through guided communication, he consistently improved. He further attended college and wrote essays. However, as their professional relationship turned into a romantic affair, it led to turmoil.

Tell Them You Love Me tells the story of Stubblefield and Johnson's families. The Nick August-Perna documentary's balanced narrative lets viewers decide about Stubblefield's motives and the ethics of facilitated communication. Dr. Howard Shane provides scientific context, and the documentary's deliberate pacing enhances emotion.

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A detailed review of Tell Them You Love Me

Anna Stubblefield is a dedicated but controversial disability studies scholar. Johnson's family members challenge Stubblefield and even doubt Johnson's communications. As Tell Them You Love Me proceeds, Johnson shows certain improvement.

The transformative aspect of this documentary is Stubblefield's introduction of facilitated communication, which transformed Johnson's life. Under her care, Johnson seemed to flourish academically and express desires that were previously thought impossible.

Stubblefield believed she could reveal Johnson's true potential. Gradually, she started to look up to him as an intelligent and capable individual hindered by his family's limitations. Anna's relationship with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal cerebral palsy patient, turns out to be the keystone of the documentary.

However, the narrative takes a dark turn when their relationship becomes s*xual, sparking a legal and moral firestorm. Johnson's mother claims he lacks the capacity for consent, alleging Stubblefield manipulated his communications. Despite Dr. Howard Shane's assurance that she was never a predator, these claims led to her trial.

The documentary does not shy away from the intense reactions of Johnson’s family, particularly his mother, Daisy, and brother John. Their outrage upon learning of the affair is palpable.

Stubblefield's insistence that Johnson consented to their relationship is starkly contrasted by his family's conviction that he could not possibly have done so. Various expert opinions enrich this documentary's narrative, adding depth to the discussion of facilitated communication's controversial nature.

Dr. Howard Shane's blunt assessments starkly contrast Stubblefield's optimistic view of the technique. The documentary's strength lies in its willingness to present these conflicting viewpoints, allowing the audience to grapple with the complex ethical and emotional issues.

While Tell Them You Love Me has many strengths, it also has flaws. A more direct interviewing style, possibly with someone like Theroux, might have helped scenes where characters express raw emotions. Additionally, the documentary's coverage of Stubblefield's trial and appeal is somewhat lacking, leaving viewers with legal questions.

The documentary also touches on racial dynamics, although not as deeply as it could have. The accusations of Stubblefield embodying a “white savior” complex and attempting to erase Johnson's cultural identity are significant but not thoroughly explored. The racial and cultural dimensions of the story should have been covered with a broader aspect, the full impact of the events.

Despite its flaws, the sensitive and moving documentary Tell Them You Love Me addresses a controversial and emotional topic. Its balanced approach and compelling narrative make it a must-see for anyone interested in disability, ethics, and human relationships.

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Tell Them You Love Me is currently available on Netflix.