On the Record
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On the Record
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that On the Record is a documentary about sexual assault survivors in the music industry. Filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick (The Hunting Ground) present the compelling story of Drew Dixon, a former music executive behind several '90s-era hip-hop hits. The film follows Dixon as she becomes one of the first women of color in the #MeToo era to publicly accuse the "godfather" of hip-hop, Russell Simmons, of sexual assault. The movie covers the unique issues Black women face as sexual assault survivors, which will add nuance to many older teens' understanding of race, culture, and sexual violence. Positive messages about perseverance, solidarity, and surviving sexual assault are implicit in the sometimes stoic, sometimes emotional, and always thoughtful ways that Dixon and the other survivors describe their assaults and the aftermath. Occasional swearing includes "bitch," "f--k," and "s--t," and there are a few references to partying and drinking.
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What's the Story?
In ON THE RECORD, viewers meet Drew Dixon, a former executive at Def Jam Records, as she contemplates going public with her story of being sexually harassed and assaulted by Def Jam's co-founder, Russell Simmons, in the '90s. The film follows Dixon as she works through the pressures she feels to stay silent -- including concern for family, her love of hip-hop, and fear of bolstering dangerous and inaccurate stereotypes about Black men. Other Black women who have accused Simmons of sexual assault are featured as well. A long social and historical perspective emerges from the cultural commentary of leading Black writers and thinkers while archival footage illuminates '90s-era hip-hop and the history of the sexual violence Black women have endured since slavery.
Is It Any Good?
This heartrending, though ultimately hopeful, documentary powerfully depicts the unique experiences of Black women survivors of sexual assault. Not just about the women's stories, On the Record covers '90s-era hip-hop and schools viewers on the long history of sexual violence against women of color. Dixon is a gripping subject: Thoughtful and measured, she is determined to heal from her sexual assault. The movie has incredibly affecting scenes throughout, of women recounting the details of their assault, but also quietly devastating moments, like when Dixon sits in a coffee shop and reads the New York Times article that broke her story. The camaraderie she finds with other survivors and the ending scenes provide hope to any person struggling with telling their truth. This documentary lays bare the limitations of a MeToo movement primarily led by wealthy White celebrities, and centers the too often ignored issues Black women face when it comes to confronting sexual violence. Older teens, hip-hop lovers, and budding social activists will benefit from watching this film and discussing it with trusted adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sexual violence in the music industry. How did love for hip-hop influence these women's decisions to go public or stay silent? What can be done to make the music industry safer for women to work in?
What did you learn about the unique issues facing women of color when it comes to reporting sexual violence? How did the women survivors in On the Record deal with these issues?
What can viewers take away from watching the stories of these women?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: May 27, 2020
- Cast: Sil Lai Abrams, Drew Dixon, Sheri Sher
- Directors: Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering
- Studio: HBO Max
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- Last updated: March 3, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Grim docu shines much-needed light on campus rape epidemic.
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Painful, unflinching story of rape and bullying.
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Hip-Hop Evolution
Frank, fascinating history of a music genre, culture shift.
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