Capturing the Friedmans

2003 107 min ★ 7.1 Documentary, Crime

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.

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Cast

Arnold 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

Details

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

Reviews

C

CinemaSerf

June 21, 2026

★ 7/10

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...