Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Domestic abuse, violence, murder in tragic tale of jealousy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
TikTok Star Murders
What's the Story?
In TIKTOK STAR MURDERS, Ana and Ali are a young, semi-famous couple living the American dream. But when Ana starts to want more out of life, Ali doesn't like it. This tragic and sadly common story of domestic abuse, violence, addiction, and jealousy is amplified by Ali's tendency to record everything, including arguments, fights, threats, and even murder.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary tells the sad story of Ana Abulaban, a Filipino American who was murdered by her abusive, controlling, and possessive husband, Ali Abulaban. Featuring interviews with journalists, law enforcement, and people who knew the couple, TikTok Star Murders provides a solid lesson on the dangers of masculinity, fame, and addiction. As a cautionary tale, this documentary will hopefully help increase the awareness and visibility of domestic violence.
As a film, the risk is accidentally sensationalizing Ana's story even more than it already is. While domestic abuse and violence are way too prevalent, this story involves the common elements of jealousy, rage, fame, addiction, toxic masculinity, and entitlement. Clearly sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of footage, the documentarians had to make lots of cuts. But the scenes they show are sensational, revealing, and scary. They show what toxic masculinity can look like in reality, on a day-to-day basis, and how it looks in an online, social media-connected world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about domestic violence. Do you think TikTok Star Murders effectively shows the dangers and tragedy of domestic abuse and violence? Why or why not?
What do you think was the "no going back" turning point for Ali? Do you think he feels remorse for what he did? Why or why not?
How does this documentary use Ana's story to talk about how to look for red flags in your friends' and your own relationships?
How do you think social media affects people? Do you think it makes people want to be famous? Do you want to be famous? Why or why not?
How might someone use social media for good, change, or justice instead of just for fame? Can you think of any examples?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 25, 2024
- Cast : Ana Abulaban , Ali Abulaban , Taren Brast , Kelsey Christensen
- Studio : Peacock
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 12, 2024
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