Parents' Guide to Victim/Suspect

Movie R 2023 95 minutes
Suspect/Victim movie poster: A high angle, grainy black and white photo of a security camera image of a White woman who is an alleged sexual assault v

Common Sense Media Review

Sabrina McFarland By Sabrina McFarland , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Reporter reviews alleged assaults in crime docu; language.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Victim/Suspect Trailer
  • Still from Suspect/Victim: Investigative reporter Rachel de Leon, a White journalist, seated at a newsroom cubicle and looking downward at the desk wh
  • Still from Victim/Suspect: Investigative reporter Rachel de Leon, a White journalist (left) holding a tablet in her right hand, while listening to Emm
  • Still from Victim/Suspect: Profile of investigative reporter Rachel de Leon, a White journalist, seated at a newsroom cubicle and looking downward at

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all

What's the Story?

VICTIM/SUSPECT is a documentary that chronicles reporter Rachel de Leon's investigation into law enforcement's role involving women college students who falsify claims of sexual assault. With the use of research techniques such as cold calls and firsthand interviews, de Leon examines police culture and possible biases presented in such criminal cases. According to the documentary, there are nearly a half million sexual assaults committed in the United States each year, with only 30% reported to law enforcement officials, and only 1% of perpetrators receiving prosecution.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Director Nancy Schwartzman (Roll Red Roll) displays a dynamic presentation about a well-researched review investigation into the sexual assaults of women college students. In Victim/Suspect, Rachel de Leon, once an aspiring journalist at a local news station, dreams of the day of honing her passion for the craft at the Center for Investigative Reporting in Oakland, California. "That's the most serious place you can go," she says, and notes that it's where "the best journalists go to work."

Following an internship at the Center, de Leon is soon selected to engage in her first solo story. The reporter takes on the deep-dive task of revisiting the initial outcomes of hundreds of sexual assault cases. She analyzes the crimes in pursuit of what may appear to be law officials turning the tables on victims and treating them as suspects. "It's really important for me that I see the evidence for myself," declares de Leon about what may be the possible basis for law enforcement officials to doubt stories expressed by sexually assaulted victims. And, adds de Leon, it's important to her as a journalist, "to make sure I have everything right, and get to the truth without hearing it second hand."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the communication of the cast in Victim/Suspect. How do they also demonstrate compassion, courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • In the documentary, journalist Rachel de Leon says that "as a reporter you really do have to keep an open mind." Do you agree or disagree, and why?

  • Alleged assault victim Emma Mannion states that others witnessed her sexual attack. How do you feel about people who see an alleged crime taking place and decide not to help out? Would you assist someone? Why or why not?

  • A proposal for adequate training of law-related officials investigating sexual assault crimes is a topic of discussion in the film. Do you agree or disagree with this idea and why? How do you feel about the filmmaker's portrayal of law enforcement in the film? Was it fair? Why or why not?

  • Families can also talk about sexual assault and the way it's addressed here. Note: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, information and resources are available at www.wannatalkaboutit.com

Movie Details

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

Suspect/Victim movie poster: A high angle, grainy black and white photo of a security camera image of a White woman who is an alleged sexual assault v

What to Watch Next

See all

Best Documentaries and Docuseries

See all

Best History Documentaries

See all recommended movie lists

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