The Chenu family is trying to deal with the brutal murder of their son and brother, Francois Chenu. On Sept. 13, 2002, three skinheads beat him unconscious for being gay and then tossed his limp body into a pond to drown. It was a hate crime based on prejudice and nothing more -- it was completely senseless act.
Yet, the Chenu family is not like most families. Somehow, through their pain, they manage to recall the tragic loss of Francois with dignity and move "Beyond Hatred" in Oliver Meyrou's poignant, award-winning documentary.
Rather than focus on the night and terrible circumstances of the actual event -- neither Francois nor the three perpetrators, Michael Regnier, Fabien Lavenus or Franck Billette, ever make an appearance in the film -- Oliver Meyrou arrives in Reims, France just before the trials start (two years after the murder) to talk firsthand with the families on both sides of the case, journalists and lawyers.
Once in Reims, Meyrou's direction shifts from his initial plan of documenting homophobia's place in society, and focuses on the variables of its aftermath. "Beyond Hatred" connects with the Chenu family to discuss, personally and candidly, their plan for healing and for generating awareness for a deep-seeded and psychological problem.
The Chenus don't want to harbor the hurt of their loss forever -- they want to better understand it and take positive -- and preventative -- action in their lives.
In an amazing act of courage and compassion, the Chenu family comes across not as the victims of their own anger and grief, but instead as inspirational icons of principle and forgiveness. Despite virtually no remorse from the killers, Francois' parents offer understanding for how their own ignorance led them to commit such a horrific act.
The film's power lies perhaps in its tone -- one that is surprisingly low-key and benevolent. Emotional, yet straightforward, it leaves you not with grief for what has happened, but with a sense of hope in humanity -- a huge feat considering the subject matter.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
