Netflix documentary review: ‘VICTIM/SUSPECT’ exposes rape culture from the inside out.

presents

VICTIM/SUSPECT

On her first solo investigation, journalist Rae de Leon travels nationwide to uncover a shocking pattern: Young women tell the police they’ve been sexually assaulted, but instead of finding justice, they’re charged with the crime of making a false report, arrested, and even imprisoned by the system they believed would protect them.


Nancy Schwartzman follows investigative journalist Rachel De Leon after reading about a news report that struck her as odd, leading her to dive into numerous cases where rape victims suddenly found themselves arrested for false reporting. In Netflix’s VICTIM/SUSPECT, experts, lawyers, and survivors weigh in on this sickening trend.

Interrogation videos are startling, to put it nicely. The difference in tone and language between the accused and accusers will infuriate you. Victims appear in shock; most of them are taught to respect authority. The victim blaming and shaming will make your blood boil. This systematic problem is the personification of rape culture. Detective Carl Hershman, an incredible former SVU officer, helps us understand the why and how. The force needs more people like him.

Rachel reminds me of journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey from the explosive NYT articles accusing Harvey Weinstein. Their pounding-the-pavement style of door-knocking, interview requests, and meeting victims on their terms changed the face of the #MeToo movement for the better. Rae’s similar tenacity proves invaluable. She is doing the work, despite pushback and roadblocks from police. It is undeniably vital work. I hope she realizes the impact she has on survivors like myself. 
The psychological damage is unfathomable. Trust me when I say there are more sexual assault survivors than you are comfortable comprehending. VICTIM/SUSPECT uses police officers’ own words against them. The blatant lies and heinous tactics to have these victims recant will blow you away. Your head will spin when you discover their training includes using “ruse” in questioning. The lack of actual investigation is staggering. Journalists like De Leon are quite literally saving lives. Nancy Schwartzman and Netflix are doing an essential service to victims with VICTIM/SUSPECT. It can only lead to justice.


New Doc VICTIM/SUSPECT | On Netflix May 23 | From Director Nancy Schwartzman


Netflix Documentary review: Jonah Hill bares his soul by introducing us to friend and therapist in ‘STUTZ’



STUTZ

World-renowned psychiatrist Phil Stutz sits down for an unorthodox, heartfelt session with friend and patient Jonah Hill, bringing to life Stutz’s visualization exercises, called The Tools, and sharing how to apply them while having unconventionally deep conversations on both sides.


Jonah Hill and Dr. Phil Stutz have an awe-inspiring relationship. After recently taking a step back from doing press for the good of his mental health, Hill wanted to make a documentary to share his friend’s therapy method, The Tools, with the world. In STUTZ, Jonah explains why he began therapy at thirty-three. Fame exacerbated his hurt, but with Phil’s help, his self-love grows daily. Admittedly it is not without struggle. That’s not the point. It is a lifelong process, day to day, making it through the next twenty-four hours.

“The Tools,” a phrase writers and actors use often, made complete sense. Dr. Stutz uses hand-drawn visual notecards to explain each one. A simple and concise way to relate the exercises that anyone could carry in their pockets. Life Force, Part X, String of Pearls, The Shadow, The Snapshot, The Maze, Radical Acceptance, and Loss Processing comprise The Tools.
Both Jonah and Phil talk through each one. For example, Hill explains, “Part X would be the villain in the story of being a person.” Stutz describes it as a primal fear of overcoming negative forces. But without Part X, we don’t grow. During the course of their conversations, I found myself closing my eyes when Phil requested it from Jonah. It was as if I were “on the couch” with him.

Phil and Jonah take jabs at one another. They are goofy, loving, and brutally honest. Delving into Phil’s turbulent childhood, it is easy to see why he became a therapist. Jonah asks questions that put him on the spot. We learn how Parkinson’s diagnosis informs his therapy methods and personal life. There are moments you’ll ask yourself, “which one is the therapist here,” as the questions bounce back and forth. Their trust is mesmerizing.

I learned so much about my behavior, generational trauma, concise ways to dig into my parenting methods, and how to forgive the hurt from my childhood. STUTZ is surprisingly hilarious, making it an insightful and simultaneously breezy watch. Hill’s thoughtfulness in crafting this film makes for a deep revelatory experience. It’s the oddest warm hug in a documentary form I can imagine. I highly recommend STUTZ.

Now streaming on Netflix  


 

Netflix documentary review: A family’s mission, ‘I AM VANESSA GUILLEN’ is more than a hashtag, it is a movement.

I AM VANESSA GUILLEN

Netflix presents I AM VANESSA GUILLEN, a film about one family’s relentless push for justice and exposing the toxic culture that permeates the military, specifically Fort Hood. Director Christy Wegener brings us the story that sparked a social media frenzy, a race to pass new legislation, and the family that would not stay quiet.

The systemic failure at Fort Hood will leave you seething. After two months of desperate outcry, the Army finally makes a statement and begins to search, but it is too little too late. With the pro bono help of maverick lawyer Natalie Khawam, The Guillen family takes their fight to Capital Hill.

I remember this story. I remember feeling so angry when I heard how long Vanessa had been missing before I heard about it on the news. Then, when the details emerged of her murder and subsequent failure at Fort Hood, I was disgusted. Those feelings returned and multiplied as I watched this film. Understanding the extent of their coverup will blow your mind. The military justice system allows for secrecy and discretion to sweep everything under the rug. It is beyond broken.

I AM VANESSA GUILLEN proves the saying, “No justice. No peace.” The Guillen family never backed down. The military counted on their silence, and they got the exact opposite. I AM VANESSA GUILLEN has been in the top 10 since the film’s release last Friday. It is easy to understand why.


I Am Vanessa Guillen | Official Trailer | Netflix https://youtube.com/Netflix

I AM VANESSA GUILLEN is now streaming on NETFLIX