Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Timely docu about newsworthy case; language, sex, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stormy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In STORMY, news media reported that in 2018 a lawyer for Donald Trump had two years earlier paid $130,000 of so-called hush money to a former adult film actress to cover up an alleged sexual encounter. The actress, who goes by Stormy Daniels, became an overnight sensation. The case put her on the national stage and upended her life, eventually leading to a divorce and threats against her and her young daughter. This documentary follows Stormy during that time as she reacts to evolving events. It interviews her five years later about the ongoing fallout over this case, which is still in the news and the courts. Other high-profile figures are also interviewed about the larger ramifications of the case and Stormy's role in it.
Is It Any Good?
This fast-paced documentary will—like its subject—entice looky-loos, but there's not much pleasure or resolution to be found in revisiting this seemingly unending mess. The timing of Stormy is very clear, with Trump running again for president and about to go on trial in the Daniels "hush money" case. The film's tagline is "being outspoken is not a crime," but Stormy herself makes clear she is no warrior for justice and hasn't been outspoken out of any altruistic motive. What's new here is a behind-the-scenes look at how this publicized case impacted her and those around her. She allows the camera to capture her fighting on the phone with her husband, agreeing to give up custody of her daughter, and reacting to death threats on Twitter.
It seems like a good portion of these more compelling scenes comes from footage shot by director Denver Nicks for an earlier and never completed documentary. It's revealed in Stormy that she and Nicks had an affair, but it's not discussed whether or how that contributed to his footage being used in someone else's documentary. Director Sarah Gibson's proficient final product includes more recent interviews with Daniels as well as celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Rogen, and Rachel Maddow. It reveals the web of competing lawsuits that have left Stormy buried under piles of court documents and potential debt. Does Stormy wish she'd never met Donald Trump, an interviewer asks her? Definitively yes. You might wish the same about this entire cast of characters after spending another two hours with them here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Stormy would agree to let cameras film her for this documentary. What does she get out of it? In your opinion, does the film strengthen or weaken her legal case? Why?
Do you feel Stormy is a victim? A hero? Neither? Both? Explain.
Have you followed the legal cases involving Stormy Daniels? Why do you think these cases have been in the headlines and followed so closely by the media?
How have Stormy, Trump, Michael Cohen, Michael Avenatti, and others been portrayed in the media?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 18, 2024
- Cast : Stormy Daniels , Donald Trump , Jimmy Kimmel
- Director : Sarah Gibson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Peacock
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : History
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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