Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rapper is vulnerable in docu with language, sex, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words
What's the Story?
MEGAN THEE STALLION: IN HER WORDS documents the rise to fame of rapper Megan Pete and her life story, and it details her experience as the victim of a shooting. The film relies on interviews with the rapper and those closest to her, as well as significant footage of her behind the scenes, and archive recordings of her at public events. The film pieces together her early life in Houston, the impact of her mother-manager's death, her style and rise to fame, and her spiral into depression and anxiety when a lot of public opinion and people in the industry turned against her for accusing a male rapper of shooting her.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary boasts impressive behind-the-scenes access and deft editing with significant archive footage and animated sequences, but it's also one-sided and overly long. Still, considering the fame of this film's subject, and the controversy surrounding her very public court case against another rapper, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words should draw a broad audience. She opens up in interviews and reveals very personal feelings and experiences, letting the camera into her bedroom and behind the scenes with her. You know you're not getting the full story, but you do get an inside view. It also takes guts to show such vulnerability, and she seems to want to help others by telling her story.
The film relitigates the case against Megan's shooter and shows the impact of public and industry backlash on her mental health. He was convicted in a court of law; maybe this documentary will give her another victory in the court of public opinion. The film also tells the rapper's life story, marked by the early loss of both her parents and a controversial career built around highly sexualized performances and lyrics. The animated sequences are stylish and haunting. You walk away with the sense of a young woman still growing up, learning to handle the pressures of fame, and taking pride in the career and public profile she has constructed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the social pressure and online bullying and threats Megan Pete suffered after she accused another rapper of shooting her in the foot, depicted in Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words. How do you explain the treatment she received? Do you think it was fair?
In what ways do insider documentaries like this one fail to offer multiple perspectives? Do you miss other voices, or not?
What did you think of the animated sequences the film uses to illustrate some past events?
Megan talks about her mental health struggles and how getting therapy helped her. She has also sung about these experiences and launched a website with resources, "Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too." Where else can you go for mental health resources?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2024
- Cast : Megan Pete
- Director : Nneka Onuorah
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Lesbian Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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
Suggest an 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