Filling in the Blanks

I just want to say this documentary is not only Well-Conceived, but also Well-Delivered..... I know, I know, but puns are fun though!

The honest truth is I enjoyed this so much. And it is very interesting sociologically. This show plays very similarly in tone and speed of discovery as another show that I enjoy, "Finding Your Roots" on PBS. Of course the people discovering their genetic family tree are famous people.

So I think it stands as a compliment to Filling in the Blanks" (which if you think about it is a really good pun as well!) -that it is just as well written, directed, played and produced as a PBS broadcast show. In my honest opinion that is. I really just believe the way these ladies and gentlemen handled these secrets is tremendous. Not only the children but the parents as well. Also, without spoiling it, the ending is a BRILLIANT wrap to the whole tale.

As "Filling In the Blanks" (2023 release; 95 min), we are introduced to Jon Baime, 54 yo, as he is getting ready to take a DNA test. We then go back in time as we get archival footage from the 1960s of Jon and his family (mom and dad, and 2 older brothers) growing up in the New Jersey suburbs. Turns out that dad is quite moody... At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this movie is the labor of love by Jon Baime, as narrator, writer, producer and director of this (and, oh yea, he stars as well). Baime makes an unexpected discovery of a deeply held family secret, and once he finds out, the question is what he does with that information. I won't divulge anything more. The documentary could've gone in several ways but in the end, Baime, a very likable "Joe Sixpack" kinda guy, turns this into an uplifting story about unexpected family secrets. As such, the movie flies by in non time.

"Filling In the Blanks" recently started streaming on Amazon Prime, where I caught it a few days ago. If you are in the mood for an uplifting documentary, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

I've known since I was a teenager in the 90's that I was donor conceived. I felt it would be a betrayal to my father to seek out my bio dad and family. My dad died in 2010, I still didn't feel the need until I saw this documentary and realized that I could potentially have some half brothers and sisters out there. I never thought I'd find my dad. My husband lost his dad in 2009, we had our daughter in 2018, she never got to meet her grandpas. To my surprise I found my bio dad July 2024, he's still living and was thrilled to find me, he'd always wanted a daughter. My husband's mom passed away January 2024, my daughter had one grandparent left. Now she has two and it's been a really great experience for all of us.

With the advances in genetic testing, the list of people receiving "DNA suprises" from places like 23andMe and Ancestry keeps growing. Everyone's story is different, but the outcome remains the same: what would you do if you suddenly found out you were not genetically related to your father? Jon's experience is an interesting one and he tells it with refreshing candor and a lack of sensationalism. Some of the vintage footage is great, and there are many surprisingly intimate moments captured on camera. I won't spoil any of the revelations, but if you are curious about DNA and the intersection of science and personal experience, you will enjoy this film. Similar docs include THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS and OUR FATHER.

As home DNA testing kits and the interest in genealogy grow in popularity, more and more of us are learning that our parents are not who we were told they are. The current estimate can be as high as 10% of the population. This documentary explores the topic in an honest and emotional way. The pain and loss caused by the discovery are explored along with the (potential) shame and angst. Loss of the biological connection via a DNA test can touch so many members of the family, each in different ways. The creator of this movie does an excellent job of communicating these complex issues. The use of original family movies is impressive. This is one of the best movies I have seen on the topic. If you have experienced this loss, or know someone who has experienced the loss of their parental connection, via learning the truth of their adoption, donor conception, or plain misattribution of their parent, this is a MUST-WATCH film.