KillJoy (2024) is a poignant Australian documentary that chronicles the life of Kathryn Joy, who was only three months old when their father murdered their mother, Carolyn Joy Stuckey, in 1985. After serving a brief prison sentence of 22 months, Kathryn’s father regained custody, and by the age of four, Kathryn was living with him in the very house where the tragedy occurred, with little understanding of their mother’s fate. The film spans over forty years, following Kathryn’s journey from childhood into adulthood as they seek to uncover and piece together their mother’s obscured story.

Directed by Vincent Lamberti, “KillJoy” delves into themes of family violence, trauma, and the quest for identity. The documentary employs a variety of research methods, including archival footage, personal interviews, and historical records, to reconstruct Carolyn’s life and the circumstances surrounding her death. As Kathryn navigates this emotional exploration, they confront psychological challenges and form a posthumous relationship with their mother, ultimately building a meaningful life as an activist. The film not only sheds light on the long-term impacts of domestic violence on children but also contributes to broader conversations about gender violence and societal responses to such tragedies.