Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense docu about woman who killed rapist in self-defense.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
State of Alabama vs. Brittany Smith
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In STATE OF ALABAMA VS. BRITTANY SMITH, a woman who is chased, beaten, choked, bitten, held down, and raped repeatedly kills her rapist after he threatens to kill her and her brother. But when she tries to make a Stand Your Ground self-defense claim, her case is denied.
Is It Any Good?
This short documentary is honest, to the point, and effective as a case study about the Stand Your Ground law in Alabama. Brittany Smith is open and direct about her experience, and State of Alabama vs. Brittany Smith does a good job at providing background and context for the case. With testimonials and interviews with Brittany Smith, her mother and brother, the lead investigator, and others, this documentary makes a strong argument against a system that treats women differently than men accused of the same thing. Men claiming the Stand Your Ground defense are told that their killings are "justified," while women are twice as likely to be denied.
For many, this documentary will be a tough watch, however. With not much of a happy ending, viewers might feel defeated. Hopefully, the publicity and awareness this film will generate can help to reduce if not end altogether the double standard for women and the Stand Your Ground law.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in documentaries. Do you think it was important for the violence in State of Alabama vs. Brittany Smith to be represented authentically? Why or why not?
Do you think the film treats its subjects with dignity and respect? How so or not so?
Do you think you would have made any different decisions than Brittany Smith? If so, which ones?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 10, 2022
- Cast : Brittany Smith , Dawn Hendricks , Chris McCallie , Ramona McCallie
- Director : Ryan White
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism
- Run time : 40 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content involving sexual assault and brief strong language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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