As someone who has never experienced the care system, watching “Sun Sea & Satan” was a deeply unsettling experience. The hard-hitting documentary by Bill Maloney takes a close look at the ongoing child abuse investigations at Haut de la Garenne, a children’s care home in Jersey, Channel Islands.
The film is emotionally charged, not only because of the subject matter, but also because Maloney’s own family were brought up in the UK care system. His personal connection to the issue is palpable throughout the documentary.
Maloney’s visit to Jersey is documented in the film, and his interpretation of the island is one of mixed responses. He highlights connections with the Sea Cadets and children being brought from London care homes for “sailing holidays” on the island. The film includes mainstream news reports with Jeremy Paxman, Stuart Syvret, Lenny Harper, Esther Rantzen, and Frank Walker.
The documentary contains strong language and strong opinions. Due to his and his family’s experiences of establishment care homes, Maloney felt compelled to see first hand the response of Islanders to the alleged abuse claims and their general feeling for the governing states. The response he received was a mixed one, including silence, anger, and insensitivity. The island, with its geographical beauty, had an ugly underbelly.
“Sun Sea & Satan” is a difficult watch, but it’s an important one. It sheds light on a dark corner of society that needs to be brought into the public eye. Maloney’s passionate and personal approach to the subject makes it all the more powerful.
Overall, “Sun Sea & Satan” is a thought-provoking and disturbing documentary that delves into the world of child abuse in the care system. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an essential one for those who want to understand the gravity of the issue.
