The Boy They Call Chucky

The Boy They Call Chucky follows the story of twelve-year-old Christian Cunniffe, a young boy with a complex medical disorder that causes him to have sudden violent outbursts. It chronicles the struggles of Christian’s family, particularly his mother Catherine, as they grapple with his condition and search for effective treatments.

Christian’s behavior has led to severe incidents within his family, including beating up his relatives, setting fire to his bedroom, and stabbing his sister with a knitting needle. Despite these actions, medical professionals assert that Christian is not inherently evil, but rather suffering from an illness that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

The film captures Catherine’s nine-month journey to find a cure for her son before his condition worsens. As Christian enters puberty and continues to grow, the potential harm he could cause during his violent episodes becomes an increasing concern for his family and those around him.

Throughout the documentary, viewers witness the strain Christian’s condition places on his family relationships. His sister Natasha receives counseling to cope with years of abuse, while the stress of managing Christian’s behavior takes a toll on his parents’ marriage. The film also showcases the various treatments and interventions attempted, including medication, dietary changes, and specialized therapy sessions.