Frida and Lasse Barkfor's documentary Pervert Park gives us insight on the vicious cycle that is sex abuse and the effect it has on the people that ended up biting the hand that feeds them. This documentary does a wonderful job shedding some light on the trials and tribulations people face while trying to shake the stigma of being a pedophile.
From the very beginning of the documentary, you get a somber feeling from the dark setting as we follow the quiet footsteps of an unknown man in a trailer park known as Florida Justice Transitions. Centered in St Petersburg, Florida, this small community houses and helps sex offenders acclimate back into society. The concept of the organization is to inspire even the most severely condemned people to change. It is a touchy situation, mainly stemming from the fact that these are all people no one would ever want as a neighbor.
The residents who reside in this park stem from different backgrounds, cover a wide range of age and race. Their crimes also very, both in severity and public forgiveness. From an individual flashing minors in a school zone to a man convicted of molesting a 2 year-old, these guys call FJT home. There are even those who got busted in an online sex-ring, not actively engaging in anything but giving consent to have sex with a minor, living amongst the the others. While there appears to be some small gray area, the intent is all the same. As a result, the consequences are serious.
Pervert Park is more of a fly-on-the-wall experience; it isn't looking to exonerate anyone's offense but to acknowledge that, no matter the crime, people need help and therapy to continue living as they work to become the better members of society.
The people who live in Florida Justice Transitions have families and lives of their own. The film works to show that the crimes don't just affect those who commit the act; it reaches far beyond to include the family and victim. All related parties are subjected to the vicious cycle, each in their own way. Its unfortunate that so much attention is focused on the the immediate doer.
Pervert Park is difficult to watch, but it's a well executed documentary that sheds light on the struggles of a sex offender as they attempt to move forward with their lives after preforming an act that can never be erased.
