“Truth in the Tangle: Vivianne Rosenberg on Midlife, Memory, and the Fragile Architecture of Identity

In The Connecting Betrayal, screenwriter Vivianne Rosenberg crafts a gripping portrait of a woman teetering between past traumas and present longings. Winner of the Best Script Award for Drama at the Dallas Movie Awards, the screenplay is both intimate and expansive — rooted in deeply personal experience yet brimming with global relevance. Through Valerie, a woman confronting the invisible tremors of adoption, menopause, and digital deception, Rosenberg explores the slippery line between connection and betrayal. In this interview, the multilingual writer and multicultural storyteller opens up about the autobiographical threads behind the script, the psychology of family love turned into fear, and the courage it takes — for both character and creator — to face the mirror of midlife transformation.

Valerie’s journey is rooted in questions of identity and autonomy. How did you develop her emotional arc to reflect the complexities of midlife, grief, and self-discovery?

The hormonal changes that women experience during menopause can lead to self-doubt and a lack of confidence. As a result, women in their 50s may begin to question their purpose in life. My own experiences with the complexities of a midlife crisis inspired the development of Valerie, a character who spent her life with the only man she met in college. As we age, we all face grief and loss through family and friends, and Valerie’s journey reflects this universal experience.

The script touches on adoption and the feeling of disconnection from one’s origins. How did you approach the psychological nuance of Valerie’s childhood trauma in shaping her adult decisions?

The adoption of my eldest daughter by my second husband when she was just six years old inspired the adoption theme in my script. She experienced a whirlwind of emotions – confusion, excitement, and anger that I hadn’t sought her permission. Despite my efforts to create a stable and secure life for her and her siblings, she felt psychologically vulnerable and couldn’t comprehend why her biological father had given her up. The childhood trauma of abandonment continues to affect her even in adulthood.

Similarly, my character Valerie carries the deep scar of trauma into adulthood. The silent suffering from her past shapes her, leading her to seek love, attention, and desire in ways that ultimately lead her down a destructive path.

Themes of Betrayal & Family Dynamics: One of the most intense dynamics in the script is between Valerie and her children. What inspired the portrayal of a family that simultaneously loves and fears for one another?

Valerie’s children, accustomed to seeing their mother as a pillar of strength, sweetness, and intellect, were deeply alarmed when they witnessed a stark transformation in her personality. She became argumentative, prone to outbursts, and seemed to have lost her usual composure. This uncharacteristic behavior was a far cry from the mother they knew and loved, and it instilled in them a growing sense of fear and worry for her well-being.

This intricate family dynamic, where the roles were reversed and the children took on the responsibility of caring for their aging parent, mirrors my own experiences with their older father and our adult children. It highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when aging parent’s mental or physical health deteriorates, and the difficult decisions that their adult children must make in order to ensure their safety and well-being. The emotional toll on both the parent and the children can be immense, and the situation can often lead to feelings of guilt, resentment, and helplessness.

The title, The Connecting Betrayal, is compelling. What does ‘connection’ mean in this context, and how does it become a pathway to betrayal?

Great question!

Valerie’s life is marked by a series of betrayals, starting with being abandoned by her biological mother as an infant. She is then adopted by two lesbian mothers and grows up without a father figure. In college, she befriends Brinda, who later betrays her by having an affair with George. Finally, Valerie falls in love with Luke, who turns out to be using an alias on social media. She ultimately discovers the truth and falls in love with a police officer from South Korea.

Social Media & Modern Relationships: The younger man Valerie meets online serves as a catalyst for both romance and chaos. What message were you hoping to convey about online intimacy and generational vulnerability?

While it’s enjoyable to connect with new people on social media platforms, it’s crucial to maintain a level of caution and avoid oversharing personal information or becoming emotionally invested in online relationships. Remember that not everyone on social media is who they claim to be, and some may have ulterior motives. Think carefully before sharing sensitive information or agreeing to meet someone in person, and always prioritize your safety and well-being.

How does the script reflect the tension between modern forms of connection (like social media) and traditional family structures?

My script explores the ease of connecting with anyone through social media and the potential dangers of being deceived or lured into harmful situations. It highlights the misconception that online interactions are safe due to the lack of physical contact. While traditional face-to-face meetings allow for a genuine assessment of character, social media interactions can create a false sense of security. The script also touches on the challenges of navigating online relationships within immigrant family structures, where communication may be limited, and traditional family structures, where online interactions may be viewed as taboo.

Psychological & Criminal Layers: The intersection of personal trauma and international crime is a bold narrative choice. What led you to blend psychological drama with a global thriller structure?

Realistic fiction, with its relatable characters and situations, becomes more engaging when an unexpected twist is introduced. This surprise element elevates tension, adds complexity, and allows the narrative to explore deeper themes, making the story less predictable and more thought-provoking.

Valerie is forced into a psychiatric evaluation by her children — a deeply unsettling and morally complex act. How did you want audiences to feel about this breach of autonomy?

I wanted my audience to feel emotional, and that if they know someone they care for who needs help, they can have the courage to intervene. Valerie’s adult children knew their mother wasn’t herself, and she was going down the wrong path. They intervene for good reasons. And it highlights the act of intervening, have an intervention out of love and respect, for their mother’s overall well-being.

Creative Process & Personal Voice: You’ve spoken about drawing from your life experiences. Were there specific emotions or memories that found their way into Valerie’s story?

The foundation of my writing, and Valerie’s character arc in particular, is built on my own emotionally scarring experiences with mental illness, alcoholism, sex addiction, and suicide.

As a multilingual writer with a multicultural background, how does your identity shape the kinds of stories you choose to tell — and the voices you center?

My humble beginnings and upbringing in a foreign country had a significant impact on my early identity formation. Traveling from the Philippines to San Francisco as a young child, coupled with an immersion in music, art, food and literature from the ’60s to the ’90s, fueled my imagination and shaped my worldview. I became a dreamer, consumed by thoughts of my aspirations, the people I’d encounter, and the places I’d visit. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of self-expectation and ambition from a young age.