Representation of Familial Abuse and Coercive Control in Girl in the Basement: A Psychological Film Analysis

Abstrak

This study examines the portrayal of familial abuse and exploitation in the film Girl in the Basement. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research analyzes narrative structure, character development, and key scenes to explore how psychological and physical abuse are framed within the family context. The analysis is under qualitative descriptive method and grounded in established psychological frameworks, including the Power and Control Wheel, the Cycle of Abuse, Stockholm Syndrome, and Learned Helplessness, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between the perpetrator and the victim. The findings reveal that the film presents a realistic depiction of psychological manipulation, particularly through the father’s use of control, intimidation, and emotional coercion. The perpetrator is portrayed as a complex character driven by an excessive need for authority, while the victim’s resilience and survival strategies are strongly emphasized. However, the depiction of physical abuse tends to be sensationalized, and the mother’s role is insufficiently explored, limiting a fuller understanding of family complicity and systemic failure. Overall, the film offers a nuanced representation of familial abuse that raises awareness of its psychological impact and underscores the importance of empathy and support for survivors. In other words, it reflects coercive control through conditional permission, aligning with the Power and Control Wheel’s emphasis on psychological domination.