Prodigal Sons

Prodigal Sons is set largely in rural Montana, a state known for its open skies and close-knit communities. The hometown environment frames Kim's return for the high school reunion and the intimate encounters with family and old friends. The setting underscores themes of belonging, tradition, and the friction between individual identity and community expectations.

🏳️‍⚧️ Identity

The film centers on Kimberly's gender journey, tracing how she understands and expresses her true identity. It shows the transition from living as male-presenting to becoming a woman who is confident and accomplished. Through Kim's perspective, the documentary challenges assumptions about gender and invites empathy. Identity is presented as an ongoing process of self-definition shaped by family, community, and personal growth.

👪 Family

Family dynamics occupy the core of Prodigal Sons, especially how Kim's transition ripples through her relationships. The film documents tension with adopted brother Marc, as well as support from her mother Carol. It explores loyalty, misunderstanding, and the slow path toward acceptance within a family system. The narrative demonstrates how love and conflict coexist in families undergoing profound change.

🧠 Mental Health

Marc's mental health struggles are a central thread that adds dramatic weight to the documentary. The film portrays his declining mental health and the impact on the family. Kim offers care and attempts to understand, highlighting the strain and empathy within sibling relationships. A key moment is his voluntary admission to a mental health facility, illustrating how illness tests family resilience.

🗝️ Secrets & Revelations

As the documentary unfolds, hidden truths emerge that reframe the family saga. One of the pivotal revelations is Marc's blood relationship as the secret grandson of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth. These revelations force the family to confront questions of lineage, fame, and forgiveness. The theme of truth-telling underscores the film's intent to educate and illuminate.