Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Family movie night? There's an app for that

Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.

Parents' Guide to

Phoenix Rising

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Harrowing docu details abuse, survival, advocacy.

TV HBO Reality TV 2022
Phoenix Rising poster.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

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

This disturbing but powerful documentary features Evan Rachel Wood reclaiming her voice as she advocates for domestic abuse survivors across the country. Wood, who was 18 when she began dating then-37-year-old Manson, articulates some of the reasons she believes led her to become trapped in the relationship. She also shares some of emotional and physical abuse she endured during that time, the stories of which are filled with harrowing descriptions of the events that transpired. These accounts, combined with disturbing imagery and video footage, often makes the overall production difficult to watch. Granted, the conversations are one-sided, given that neither Manson or his representatives were willing to participate in the storytelling process beyond denying any wrong doing. Nonetheless, Phoenix Rising is about survival, and sends an empowering message about breaking the cycle of abuse.

TV 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 suggesting a diversity update.

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