The dialogue in As They Made Us rings authentic and the performances are universally strong, but there’s a dour air to the proceedings, and we wind up thinking Abigail would have been better off if she, too, had left home the moment it was possible...

As They Made Us is clearly a personal debut effort for Bialik, but she shows enough confidence behind the camera to make you curious about whatever other stories she has to tell.

Abigails resolute determination to be a dependable family member for parents who have practically destroyed her life could be seen as a cruel tragedy in the hands of a Todd Solondz, but Bialik finds a shocking amount of pity for Abigails abusers.

Hoffman and Bergen personify that poignant unity so well on screen, standing out in a very strong cast. The two have put out dozens of worthy and vital performances, but Barbara and Eugene are people that seemed very real to me for a couple of hours.