Parents' Guide to

Death Saved My Life

By Jennifer Green, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Domestic abuse drama has violence, suspense, some drinking.

Movie NR 2021 88 minutes
Death Saved My Life Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is a well-acted film with a worthy message that could encourage important conversations about domestic violence. Even though Death Saved My Life is based on real events, some scenarios are slightly far-fetched, which could undermine its consequence for some audiences. It's hard not to question why Jade keeps putting herself in risky situations to try to convince her ex-husband he's being haunted, waiting for him to slowly go crazy. Wouldn't it have been easier to just record his interactions with the hit man, since she's already trailing them? The daughter also seems strangely unaffected by her mother's absence. There are a few stilted dialogues at the start of this made-for-TV movie, and some unnecessary jumping around in time to get to the main event (Jade faking her death).

Even despite the implausibility, this film manages to maintain suspense as Jane lurks around and repeatedly puts herself in danger's way as she plots to bring down Ed. The real-life Good sisters, playing on-screen sisters Jade and Leigh, are convincing as fearful yet resolute women used to having to fight for their survival. Okonkwo is charming as the good doctor with the perfect public image and barely controlled temper. He brings to life the reality that what goes on behind closed doors in an abusive relationship is frequently not at all what people perceive outside the home, and that abused women often struggle to denounce or escape abusive partners.

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate