HBO's Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland has been garnering no shortage of controversy since its premiere at Sundance Festival. Today, the network has delivered the film's first official trailer, which is bound to cause a fervent discourse from both sides of the MJ camp. Off the bat, the trailer wastes little time in establishing its raison d'etre: to shine a light on two cases of alleged abuse and molestation.
As one of the victims tells it, arriving at Neverland was nothing short of a fantasy, filled with "magical childhood adventure experiences. Playing tag, watching movies, eating junk food. Everything you could ever want as a child." Around the midway point, a tonal shift occurs, as a younger MJ directly addresses Wade Robson with a birthday message. From that point, both men, Robson and James Safechuck, proceed to open up about their more disturbing experiences with the king of pop.
The documentary is set to air on March 3rd and 4th, in two parts. The Jackson estate has already spoken out against the film, but given HBO's prestige as a network, one has to wonder what to expect upon its release. Peep the official synopsis below, via HBO:
Leaving Neverland is a two-part documentary exploring the separate but parallel experiences of two young boys, James Safechuck, at age ten, and Wade Robson, at age seven, both of whom were befriended by Michael Jackson. Through gut-wrenching interviews with Safechuck, now 37, and Robson, now 41, as well as their mothers, wives and siblings, the film crafts a portrait of sustained abuse, exploring the complicated feelings that led both men to confront their experiences after both had a young son of his own. Directed by Dan Reed.