Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Local paper takes on corrupt sheriff; language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kill. Bury. Print.
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In 2016, Oklahoma's McCurtain County elected a new sheriff, Kevin Clardy. KILL. BURY. PRINT. reports that the sheriff's election was the beginning of the end for the local newspaper's long-standing good relations with county law enforcement when the paper reported on the corruption within the sheriff's office. The family-run McCurtain County Gazette was suddenly refused requests for information that used to flow freely to them from previous sheriffs. Soon, Bruce Willingham, reporter, publisher, and owner of the Gazette, and his son, police reporter Chris Willingham, were threatened on social media by the sheriff's supporters. A smear campaign of allegations that Chris was a pedophile was launched. The paper then publishes a transcript of a recording of an illegal meeting in which the sheriff and a county commissioner talk about lynching Black people and about their desire to rid themselves of the Willinghams by using hit men. That story goes national.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary is a love letter to small local newspapers and the dying breed of dedicated and courageous journalists that the Willinghams represent. The Gazette still comes out three times a week (printed on paper) to this day, but since Chris moved away to keep his family safe, Bruce now worries about who will succeed him.
The film is solid but not perfect. At times, the movie feels a bit slow-moving. Also, there are moments when it feels like double standards are being applied to judging the Willinghams versus the sheriff. The movie seems fine with Willinghams' printing unfounded rumors of the sheriff possibly having an affair with a subordinate, a woman who was promoted above those with more seniority. It's far more sympathetic to the victim regarding a rumor the sheriff's office was possibly behind alleging Chris was a child molester. Also, while it seems fair to feature interviews with a Clardy ally who defends the sheriff's actions, the documentary doesn't really feel as if its purpose is to tell both sides of the story, so those moments feel strained. Overall, though, this is a solid watch for families interested in true-crime tales and journalism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of journalists holding elected officials and law enforcement to the highest standards of behavior. What are some standards of evidence, proof, and documentation that journalists need to use in order to win the public trust?
When the news accurately reports wrongdoing, it's the wrongdoers who are the bad guys, not the journalists reporting it. Why do you think the public sometimes believes the journalists are the bad guys?
Do you believe it's important for wrongdoing by public officials to be exposed? What about when the wrongdoing harms the public?
In what ways does the movie show how much courage is sometimes required of journalists who tell the truth about powerful people?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 27, 2026
- Director : Ben Klein
- Studio : Peacock
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2026
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