Soleil Moon Frye, the 48-year-old actress turned director, has revealed her emotional experience while directing a new documentary about the Carter family. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Frye opened up about the challenges she faced while making “The Carters: Hurts to Love You,” a film that dives into the impact of addiction and mental health struggles on the famous family. Scheduled for release on April 15 on Paramount+, the two-part documentary uses a mix of archival footage and present-day interviews to portray the Carter family dynamics.
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Frye shared that delving into the family’s archives was one of the most poignant parts of the filmmaking journey. Witnessing the struggles and challenges that the Carter children, including the late Aaron Carter and his siblings, went through at a young age deeply affected her. The director admitted to experiencing numerous emotional moments, often finding herself in tears as she connected with the family’s story on a personal level.
Having started her own acting career at a young age, Frye could relate to Aaron’s journey in the spotlight. She highlighted the pressure and challenges that child stars face, including the industry’s expectation to freeze them in time and the difficulties that come with growing up in the public eye. Frye’s reflections on her own experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in living a life in the limelight.
While the documentary centers around a well-known family, Frye emphasised that the themes of addiction and mental health explored in the film are universal. She underscored the significance of initiating conversations about these important topics, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding surrounding mental health and addiction issues in society. By shedding light on these issues through the lens of a high-profile family, Frye hopes to encourage more dialogue and empathy among viewers.
“The Carters: Hurts to Love You” aims to spark meaningful discussions not only on a public platform but also within households. Frye shared how the process of creating the documentary had a transformative impact on her own family, prompting a shift in how they approach discussions on mental health and addiction. By breaking longstanding patterns and fostering open communication, Frye believes that the film can contribute to positive change and greater awareness of these pervasive issues.
The documentary’s first instalment is set to debut on April 15 on Paramount+, offering audiences a compelling glimpse into the Carter family’s struggles and triumphs. By combining personal narratives with archival footage, “The Carters: Hurts to Love You” provides a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by the famous family. Frye’s directorial approach, infused with empathy and understanding, promises to offer viewers a thought-provoking exploration of complex family dynamics and the enduring impact of addiction and mental health struggles.
As the release date approaches, Frye’s heartfelt dedication to bringing the Carter family’s story to light shines through. With a focus on fostering compassion and understanding, “The Carters: Hurts to Love You” is poised to resonate with audiences on a profound level. Through her directorial work, Frye hopes to not only honour the Carter family’s legacy but also spark vital conversations about mental health and addiction that resonate far beyond the confines of the screen.