An Oscar nominated documentary about a middle-class American family who is torn apart when the father Arnold and son Jesse are accused of sexually abusing numerous children. Director Jarecki interviews people from different sides of this tragic story and raises the question of whether they were rightfully tried when they claim they were innocent and there was never any evidence against them.
▶ Watch TrailerArnold Friedman
Self (archive footage)
Elaine Friedman
Self
David Friedman
Self
Jesse Friedman
Self
Seth Friedman
Self (archive footage)
John McDermott
Self - Postal Inspector
Frances Galasso
Self - Ret. Director, Sex Crimes Unit
Anthony Sgueglia
Self - Detective, Sex Crimes Unit
Joseph Onorato
Self - Asst. District Attorney
Judd Martin
Self - Jesse's Best Friend in High School
Director
Andrew Jarecki
Tagline
"Who do you believe?"
Status
Released
Original Language
EN
Revenue
$4,076,990
Production
HBO Documentary Films, Notorious Pictures, Magnolia Pictures
CinemaSerf
June 21, 2026
The Friedmans are your stereotypical aspirational middle-American family with a mum, a dad and three brothers. Arnold is the dad: a pillar of the local community and music teacher; Elaine is the stay-at-home mother and Sam, David and Jesse are their children. They have a spacious home and are keen on making home movies to celebrate just about any occasion. Then their world comes apart at the seams...
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Where to Watch
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