Trauma and abuse can have long tentacles in your life. The impacts of events from childhood can linger for years and have far-reaching implications for those who were abused. And the road to healing and forgiveness can be just as long and just as painful, especially when the abuse happens from people in a position of power and authority.

The new documentary Sugarcane explores a legacy of abuse and its far-reaching impacts for a group of Indigenous people in Canada. The story begins with the discovery unmarked graves near, and Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in 2021. The subsequent investigation led to years of covered up abuses and scores of people traumatized by their experiences at the school.

Rightly the discovery sparked a national outrage. The film tracks survivors, and relatives, as they seek answers, seek to uncover the truth, and seek to make peace with the past. That even includes reaching out to the government and meeting with the Catholic Church.

Through it all we see the toll these experiences took on those who were part of the school, and even on those they touch generations later. Despite the horrors uncovered, there are moments of beauty as people come to terms with their past and seek to find a way forward.

We’ve seen stories like this before—and sadly will continue to see these kind of stories—and they remain powerful and necessary. Evil acts thrive in the darkness, and films like this shine a light on abuses and abuse of power in a way that can help society move forward.

While this story takes place in Canada, it’s mirrored by events in the United States, where residential schools and programs like this were common. The film asks viewers to take a hard look at these issues and step up to prevent it from happening again, while celebrating those survivors who have found a way forward.

As a person of faith, I am always deeply disturbed by the things like this done in the name of religion. I’m also deeply moved by those who could experience this trauma and keep their faith. There are moments of deep and profound beauty and truth in this film.

Sugarcane premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and now is in limited release, expanding to more cities—including Denver—on Friday, September 6. It’s worth seeking out.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.