Mallory
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Mallory
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
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Mallory is a documentary about the suicide of 12-year-old Mallory Grossman and her family's efforts to prevent more bullying-related tween and teen deaths via suicide. The film is aimed at adults -- parents and educators -- and focuses on Mallory's mom Dianne Grossman's speaking engagements and efforts to help pass an anti-bullying law. She has mobilized her grief into Mallory's Army, a nonprofit outreach that teaches kids that their words matter and how to handle bullying situations. The cruel treatment that Mallory endured is revealed, as are the details of her death, which is handled in a way that does not sensationalize the matter. Hearing the Grossmans' painful story may help adults be more aware of signs that kids are in distress, as well as some of the ways that bullying situations can be mishandled. Tips are spread throughout the film about how to build empathy and how to prevent tragedy. Language isn't frequent but includes "bitch," "d--k," and more.
Community Reviews
I'll Always Remember Mallory
Report this review
What's the Story?
In 2017, after enduring months of bullying and a lack of effective effort by her middle school to stop it, 12-year-old Mallory Grossman ended her own life. Her family transformed their grief into Mallory's Army, a suicide prevention and awareness outreach program. Through this program and the group's efforts to create anti-bullying laws, they hope to put a stop to bullying while building empathy and resilience in teens.
Is It Any Good?
Executive-produced by the Grossman family, this empathetic documentary shows viewers a family managing their pain, striving to give meaning to their tragedy. Seth and Dianne Grossman reflect on Mallory as a bright light, a gymnast who outshone her teammates and who wanted to spend her life helping others. She was successful, she was cute, and her family appeared to have money -- in their estimation, that's what made her a target for bullies. The night before her death, she happily played in the pool with her family. She was a regular 12-year-old girl. And her parents exhausted every avenue to defend her, letting her know that she'd never have to return to her school again.
And yet, she was so tormented that they couldn't save her. What could have been done? As Seth states, everything is clearer in hindsight. Using that angle, the docu offers interviews with experts who explain the psychology behind bullying and why getting picked on in the Technology Age is too much to bear for some kids. While there are several insights in MALLORY, the key takeaway for parents is, "It could happen to you." Writer-director Ash Patino doesn't give adult viewers all the answers they're looking for -- those who want identifiable signs that a child is seriously considering suicide or definitive steps to preventing it may find there's not quite enough here -- but viewers will get a little to think about and a lot to mourn.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about an individual's responsibility to stand up, not stand by. Is that easy to do? How do you think people can really make a difference against bullying behavior?
Parents, talk to your kids about teen suicide. This is an incredibly tough topic, but one that needs to be addressed. What makes some people think that it's their only option? What impact does their decision have on their friends and family? Where can kids in distress turn for assistance?
One of the methods taught through Mallory's Army is empathy building. How does the film show that empathy can save a life? How does finding a purpose allow us to persevere and find meaning in difficult circumstances?
Talk about the different ways that people can bully others. What has the most lasting impact? Have you experienced bullying?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 23, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: February 23, 2021
- Cast: Dianne Grossman, Seth Grossman, Carlee Grossman
- Director: Ash Patino
- Studio: Gravitas Ventures
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Brothers and Sisters, Middle School
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Perseverance
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: May 12, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Bully
Powerful docu addresses critically important issue for kids.
-
Cyberbully
Emotional movie raises issues of online safety for teens.
-
Bullied
Vital, tragic, brutal look at rise of youth suicide.
-
Submit the Documentary: The Virtual Reality of Cyberbullying
Clear, effective docu offers intense stories, solutions.
-
A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story
Outstanding role model urges kids to stand up to bullies.
-
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
Tense, twisting crime docu is deeply disturbing.
For kids who love making a difference
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