Netflix’s “All The Empty Rooms” Documentary Confronts Lasting Grief of School Shootings

A new Netflix documentary focuses on the bedrooms left behind. “All The Empty Rooms” follows journalist Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp. It premiered on the streaming platform recently.The film offers a quiet, powerful look at enduring family grief. It moves past policy debates about gun violence. Instead, it shows the intimate spaces of children lost to school shootings.

Preserved Spaces Tell Stories of Lost Lives

The documentary visits four families. It captures bedrooms frozen in time. These rooms hold stuffed animals, school projects, and unwashed clothes.One room belonged to nine-year-old Hallie Scruggs. She died in the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville. Her seashell collections and Lego figures still fill the space.Another room was Dominic Blackwell’s. The 14-year-old was killed at Saugus High School in 2019. His SpongeBob SquarePants memorabilia covers the walls.Director Joshua Seftel aimed to foster human connection. He wanted viewers to see beyond statistics. The project took over seven years to complete.

A Mission to Restore National Empathy

Steve Hartman conceived the project from personal frustration. He felt the national mourning period for shootings was shrinking. He told Rolling Stone he wanted to combat numbness.The film intentionally omits shooters’ names. It barely discusses firearms. The focus stays solely on the victims and their families.Photographer Lou Bopp treated each room as sacred. He removed his shoes before entering. He did not move a single object while taking pictures.The result is a stark, emotional record. It shows the ongoing reality for families after news crews leave. Their children’s rooms become memorials and time capsules.

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“All The Empty Rooms” provides a visceral, human perspective on a recurring national tragedy. The Netflix documentary makes the lasting impact of school shootings undeniably personal. It challenges viewers to remember the lives behind the headlines.

Thought you’d like to know

What is “All The Empty Rooms” about?

It is a Netflix documentary. It explores the preserved bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. The film focuses on family grief and memory.

Who made the documentary?

Veteran CBS News reporter Steve Hartman initiated the project. It was directed by Joshua Seftel. Photographer Lou Bopp captured the still images.

How many families are featured?

The film includes four families. They represent different school shooting tragedies across the United States. Hundreds of families were contacted over seven years.

Why focus on the bedrooms?

The rooms hold personal artifacts of lost children. They represent dreams and identities cut short. The filmmakers believe these spaces can restore public empathy.

Is the film politically focused?

No, it avoids political debate about gun control. It does not name any perpetrators. The narrative concentrates solely on victim remembrance and family loss.

Where can I watch it?

The documentary is available globally on Netflix. Its runtime is approximately 35 minutes. It was released in 2024.