Four of a Kind
Julie Carles is in the record books, though for a reason she likely never could have predicted. She is one of only 27 mothers worldwide who has given birth to identical quadruplets. The entertaining documentary Four of a Kind explores this obstetrical phenomenon, and gives us an intimate perspective on the challenges associated with raising such a large brood.
Julie and her husband Jose were having difficulty conceiving at first, but ultimately found success within the first year of their marriage. When they discovered they were having quadruplets, they were gripped by both overwhelming joy and crippling fear. They were warned of the risks. The babies - one or all of them - stood only a 20% chance of surviving the birth and thriving without defects. Julie herself might not make it through what would certainly be a difficult pregnancy and birthing process. Doctors even gave them the option of terminating two of their children for the benefit of the others. But the couple remained undeterred and committed.
The filmmakers utilize video footage from the delivery room where the couple's four miracle babies first entered the world two months early. From there, we see them grow and form an inseparable bond over the course of five years. They come to rely on one another and the cocoon of love that is their home. This proves tricky during their first days of school when they must learn to step outside the comfort zone of their sibling unit and engage with other children.
Along the way, the film explores the steps to nurturing individuality among children who are identical in nearly every respect, and the fragility of finding a balance when the parental demands are so overwhelming. To assist in this effort, Julie travels to meet with a few mothers who share in her unique situation, and they offer sensible and compassionate advice that all parents could find illuminating.
Four of a Kind may portray a domestic life on steroids, but it never loses sight of the enormous blessing it represents. The film is sweet-natured in its tone, and thought provoking in its approach to the intricacies of child development.
Directed by: Abigail Priddle
All you need is love! Great parents. Hopefully the dad can reign in and institute a more cordial, respectful, and less noisy dialog between all as they get older rather than the way the usa 18 year olds were. It is possible, a friend of mine has multiples. They all looked similar when little, very different when older. Fortunately their mom was super mellow and loving. Their dad never hesitated to give one or more a time out to keep them respectful of each other or to behave well in public rather than mob rule. Results showed, all honors students.
That's adorable! What a beautiful family.
Oh my goodness! This documentary is such a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for the smiles and cuteness overload. 10/10
Made my day. Delightful family.
An amusing documentary but it seems to give out less information. It left me wanting to know more about quadruplets in general.
Thank you for a beautiful journey.
Beautiful. Thank you
This had me smiling so hard, my face hurt, and had tears rolling down my cheeks through much of the video. In a crazy world there are still things with awe inspiring beauty. These four little angels were just what the doctor ordered!
Starts with a documentary, wouldn't be surprised if they end up in a movie. They are smart, cute and very sociable, cordial. The parents sound like super nice people.