When the Devil Knocks: Hilary Stanton

 

The documentary When the Devil Knocks is a 2010 Canadian film that explores the life and therapeutic journey of Hilary Stanton, a woman diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Directed by Helen Slinger and produced by Bountiful Films, the documentary provides a unique and intimate look into Hilary's experience of living with DID and her work in therapy to heal from the trauma that caused her condition.

Key Features of When the Devil Knocks:

1. Focus on Therapy:

   • The documentary closely follows Hilary's therapy sessions with her psychologist, Dr. Robert Nickel. Through these sessions, viewers gain insight into the therapeutic process, including how Hilary and Dr. Nickel work together to build communication between her alters and address the trauma underlying her DID.
   • Therapy is presented as a key tool for understanding and integrating Hilary's alters, fostering a sense of hope and resilience.

2. Representation of Alters:

   • The film introduces viewers to some of Hilary's alters, who each represent different parts of her identity and responses to trauma. These alters are portrayed as protective mechanisms that helped Hilary survive overwhelming experiences in her past.
   • By showing interactions with her alters, the documentary humanizes the experience of DID and challenges stereotypes and stigmatization.

3. Educational Content:

   • When the Devil Knocks provides a detailed explanation of DID, emphasizing its roots in severe, prolonged trauma during childhood. It debunks myths and sensationalized portrayals of DID, offering a compassionate and factual perspective.
   • The documentary highlights the challenges of living with DID, such as memory gaps, switching between alters, and societal misunderstandings, while also showcasing the possibility of healing and integration.

4. Personal and Relatable Storytelling:

   • Hilary's courage in sharing her story makes the film deeply personal and relatable for others living with trauma-related disorders. Her journey is depicted with empathy, showing both the struggles and triumphs of her life with DID.

5. Themes of Trauma and Resilience:

   • The documentary delves into the long-lasting effects of trauma and the ways in which dissociation serves as a survival mechanism. At the same time, it highlights the resilience of individuals with DID and their ability to find healing through therapy and support.

6. Critical Reception:

   • When the Devil Knocks has been praised for its sensitive and accurate portrayal of DID. Mental health professionals and advocates have recognized it as an important resource for increasing awareness and understanding of dissociative disorders.

7. Impact on Public Awareness:

   • The film contributes to a growing body of media that seeks to educate viewers about DID and its connection to trauma. It has been used in educational and therapeutic settings to foster a better understanding of the condition.

Significance:

When the Devil Knocks is regarded as a compassionate and groundbreaking documentary that helps dispel myths about DID while providing hope to individuals living with the condition. Its focus on Hilary's personal experiences and therapeutic journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of trauma survivors.

When The Devil Knocks documentary

Dissociative Identity Disorder Primer – Featuring Dr Frank Putnam

What Brain Scans Tell us about Dissociative Identity Disorder – Featuring Dr Ruth Lanius