Death Saved My Life
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Domestic abuse drama has violence, suspense, some drinking.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Death Saved My Life
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Jade (Meagan Good) and Ed (Chike Okonkwo) seem to lead a charmed existence in DEATH SAVED MY LIFE. She's a talented marketing executive winning professional awards, and he's an esteemed heart surgeon with friends in the right places, including the local police sergeant. They live in a beautiful home with their young daughter, Kayla (Sa'Raya Paris Johnson). But all is not as it appears on the surface. Ed has a history of abusing Jade, physically and emotionally. Jade has also suffered from depression since her parents died, and her sister Leigh (played by Meaghan Good's real-life sister La'Myia Good), who has apparently struggled with bipolar disorder and drug abuse, is only recently back in her life. When Jade decides she has to escape Ed or risk losing her life, she fakes her own death to try to entrap Ed and expose him as the abuser he is.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how domestic abuse is portrayed in Death Saved My Life. Why does Ed tell Jade most people would believe him over her if she were to accuse him publicly? Why does she believe him?
How does Jade show courage in escaping Ed? Why is this an important character strength in everyday life, not just in extreme circumstances like the ones portrayed in this movie?
The film is inspired by true events. Where could you go to find out more information about the true story behind this film?
What are the ethics of making a movie based on a real story? Do you think the filmmakers need permission of any kind?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 13, 2021
- Cast: Meagan Good, Chiké Okonkwo, La'Myia Good
- Director: Seth Jarrett
- Inclusion Information: Black actors, Latinx actors
- Studio: Lifetime Television
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings
Courtroom Dramas
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