In Behind the Rage: Inside America’s Domestic Violence, acclaimed filmmaker Deeyah Khan tackles the pressing issue of male violence against women, probing whether rehabilitation and change are possible for perpetrators. With the United States grappling with alarming rates of domestic violence, Khan delves into the heart of the matter, seeking answers and solutions.
Through poignant testimonials from survivors and victims' families, Khan sheds light on the devastating impact of domestic violence while also seeking insights from social workers and psychologists who work with violent men. Crucially, she amplifies the voices of those often overlooked in discussions about domestic violence—the perpetrators themselves.
Drawing on her vast experience as a Peabody, BAFTA, and Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Khan approaches the subject with empathy and insight, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. From her groundbreaking work with extremists to her exploration of contentious issues like racism and extremism, Khan brings a unique perspective to her filmmaking, rooted in her own multicultural background.
Through Behind the Rage, Khan continues her mission to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time, creating space for diverse and inclusive stories while championing empathy-based approaches to conflict resolution. As she navigates the complexities of domestic violence, Khan invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the possibilities for change and healing in even the most challenging circumstances.
This intimate study into radical justice and forgiveness dives deep into the memories and recoveries of men who abuse their wives and girlfriends. While some will balk at this focus, it is important to note that such studies and documentaries are far too rare: To stop a problem, we must address it at its root, and the problem isn’t that men are simply born monsters. There is something that makes them into monsters. The men featured in this film make that point abundantly clear. Each has faced some form of hardship or trauma that made adopting our society’s more toxic ideals of masculinity easy. Those interested in studying spousal abuse, transformative justice, and male gender ideals should consider Behind the Rage required viewing. Highly Recommended.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Behind the Rage would be an excellent choice for a film series focused on spousal abuse, domestic violence, or the broader topic of intimate partner violence. It could also contribute meaningfully to a series exploring themes of restorative or transformative justice—especially those that aim to understand the root causes of violence rather than only its outcomes. The film's unique focus on the perpetrators, seeking to uncover what drives men to commit acts of abuse, opens up space for difficult yet necessary conversations about masculinity, accountability, and prevention. This title would be especially powerful in a programming context that seeks to humanize while also critically analyzing behavior, making it suitable for both advocacy-focused and educational series.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
Behind the Rage would be a valuable resource for instructors in a wide range of disciplines. In gender studies or women’s and gender-focused courses, it could serve as a tool to explore the dynamics of patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and the social constructs surrounding male violence. Criminal law or criminology professors might use it to examine legal responses to domestic violence and to foster discussion on the role of the justice system in addressing root causes versus punishment alone. Additionally, instructors in psychology, social work, or counseling programs could use the film to highlight therapeutic approaches to working with perpetrators of abuse. Its intersectional perspective makes it adaptable across curricula concerned with violence prevention, legal reform, mental health, and social justice.