Parents' Guide to Audrie & Daisy

AUDRIE & DAISY is a well-intentioned exploration of the all-too-familiar story of rape victims who are victimized a second time by both society and negligent law enforcement authorities. Although the film has a great deal of educational value, peers of the sexual assault victims depicted here -- teens age 14 and up -- may find this movie too emotionally challenging to benefit from or even take in its message. The filmmakers don't judge, but it's pretty hard to argue with their conclusion: that irresponsible teen drinking plays a large part in terrible, life-changing sexually violent situations. Older Daisy says that going to the home of an older boy after she'd been drinking (thinking that others might think she was "cool" if she did so) wasn't a good idea. The implication is that 14-year-olds may not make the best decisions on important matters -- and, since judgment is further impaired by alcohol, that teens who drink are exponentially worse off.

Daisy also learns too late that sexual crimes turn justice upside down, as girls who are assaulted are routinely branded as sluts, and in some cases even their families are ostracized, while the assailants may be let off due to supposed lack of evidence and the leniency of male-dominated law enforcement agencies. This documentary is powerful but best for mature teens who can handle the heavy content. It can certainly be used to start a discussion about drinking, consent, and double standards for girls regarding sexual activity. It's important to note a tragic postscript to Daisy's story: In August 2020, she died via suicide.