Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
An ex plots revenge in dark docu; language, violence, rape.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Toxic Love Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A TOXIC LOVE STORY introduces Ian, a U.S. marshal, who had recently broken up with long-time girlfriend Michelle. Things ended badly but Ian continued living in the condo she purchased for the two of them. Soon he's living there with his new wife Angie, who claims she's pregnant. In no time, she's receiving anonymous threatening emails claiming Ian doesn't love her and that she will die. Ian surmises without any evidence that the emails are coming from his ex-girlfriend Michelle, and he and Angie procure a restraining order. The threats escalate and someone solicits a man to fulfill Angie's alleged rape fantasy. The man who agrees to commit the solicited rape backs off when he realizes something is off, something it takes the police far longer to figure out. Angie claims she was attacked. With Ian egging them on, the police arrest Michelle, despite the lack of evidence. Michelle sits in jail for months facing life in prison Will justice be served?
Is It Any Good?
The elements of A Toxic Love Story would be hard to believe if there weren't documentation and court filings to confirm it all. The film's real-life narrative feels pretty routine until it seems the case has been neatly solved, yet the movie is only at its halfway point. Then comes the whole weird story of scammers scamming each other and also simultaneously collaborating to scam the police and frame an innocent woman. Viewers are left with lots of questions. For example, the movie is skimpy on why the police didn't investigate the origins of the threatening emails to track down the actual sender. Still, teens interested in true crime will find a lot to discuss and are sure to go down a rabbit hole researching more about the case after watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way people can use their positions of power to get police to do their bidding. Do you think this happens often? What are some examples?
What satisfaction do you think people get out of acts of revenge? Do you think making a former adversary suffer affords pleasure or peace to those who feel aggrieved? Why or why not?
The police seemed to have been lax in investigating claims made by complainants. What more could they have done to avoid jailing the wrong person?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 22, 2026
- Director : Alexandra Lacey
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 22, 2026
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