Circle of Violence: A Family Drama (1986)

The social and psychological issues of a broken home often include abuse and anger directed at loved ones. The TV movie Circle of Violence (1986) presents the complex of emotions at play in this important issue that affects countless homes and families.

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Written by William Wood and directed by David Greene, Circle of Violence features the story of Georgia Benfield (Tuesday Weld) and her aging mother Charlotte (Geraldine Fitzgerald) whom Georgia takes in after an accidental fire caused by her smoking habit makes it unsafe for the old woman to be left on her own. Soon the mother and daughter find themselves confronting each other over small things; and before long, Charlotte accuses Georgia of physically beating her.

Unlike thrillers where an evil character is pitted against his/her victim, dramas like Circle of Violence explore the depths of the problem, in this case the issue being elder abuse and the victim being the entire family. Georgia’s teenage son Chris (River Phoenix) and young daughter Addie (Christina Maria Hutter) feel the stress spilling into their lives as the house starts teeming with conflict. Georgia has to cope with her past and rely on close friends and a therapist to overcome her demons from the past and work on forgiveness.

This movie offers invaluable insight into conflict within families, particularly those with aging parents, and has immense therapeutic value. Tuesday Weld and Geraldine Fitzgerald have delivered heart-winning performances in their respective roles as daughter and mother. For River Phoenix fans, this is a special because it is said to be his last TV acting role.

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090846/

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