Audrie & Daisy

Audrie & Daisy is a profound and thought-provoking documentary that boldly tackles sensitive and very relevant societal issues, particularly relating to the young generation. Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk and released in 2016, this film offers a tragic but necessary examination of the damaging effects of sexual assault on teenagers and the subsequent victim-blaming often perpetuated in social and traditional media platforms. It takes a deep dive into the American judicial system treating such cases, attempting to shed some light on the truths that are often left in the shadow.

The documentary focuses primarily on two high school students, Audrie Pott from California and Daisy Coleman from Missouri. The two girls, who've never met each other and living thousands of miles apart, are connected by their similar horrifying experiences. The title of the movie carries their names, acknowledging their battles and paying tribute to their resilience.

Audrie Pott is portrayed by Robin Bourland, who delivers a heart-wrenching performance, authentically capturing the enormous emotional toll that such trauma leaves on a person. Daisy Coleman’s role, played by herself, offers a raw and incredibly personal look at her life. Charles Coleman, Daisy’s father, brings another angle to the story, showing the devastating impact such events have on families.

The directors, Cohen and Shenk, intertwine these two real-life narratives with precision and sensitivity, making sure to treat the subjects with the respect they deserve. With interviews from family, friends, law enforcement, and the victims themselves, Audrie & Daisy paints a comprehensive picture of their experiences. The filmmakers employ a delicate approach throughout, exposing the tangible reality of the girls’ dilemmas without resorting to shock tactics.

Despite the dark and challenging subject matter, the film is adamant about showcasing the girls’ strength and determination. It heeds the echoes of their untold stories without exploiting their pain. In Daisy, courage and resilience flashback on the screen even as the narrative recounts the horrifying ordeal she went through. This portrayal aims to create awareness about the silent victims of these assaults and rallying calls for social and legal reforms.

The cinematography of the movie holds an instrumental role in the storytelling. Soft lighting and casual settings create an intimate atmosphere, accustoming viewers to an emotional journey. The camera also fully utilizes the diverse and picturesque American landscapes, contrasting their natural beauty with the bleak nature of the girls’ predicaments.

Audrie & Daisy doesn’t shy away from holding a mirror to society and its role in these stories. Through analysis of social media exchanges, victim blaming, online bullying, and the frequent dismissal of such issues, it unfolds the layers of these socially and legally complex cases. The addition of illustrations and animations breathes an artistic touch into the film, giving visual depth to the narrative.

One of the documentary's strongest points is its ability to address the issue of consent head-on. It helps to educate its audience on the blurred lines surrounding this topic, contributing to a greater conversation about sexually related misconducts. In the same vein, it throws light onto the often confusing and intimidating process victims are thrown into once they choose to report their assaults.

Additionally, Audrie & Daisy presents a critique of the American educational system and the justice system alike in their handling of sexual assault cases. It gives voice to the criticism and concerns of parents, school authorities and independent observers, emphasizing the need for improvement and reform to better support victims.

Although named Audrie and Daisy, this documentary is about more than these two girls. It’s about every individual who has experienced sexual assault and the struggles they face in seeking justice. Its candid approach compels viewers to think deeply about societal interpretations of such incidents and encourages them to contribute to a more empathic and compassionate narrative. The result is an impactful film that serves as a wake-up call about the effects of sexual violence and the urgent need for systemic changes.

In conclusion, Audrie & Daisy is an unflinching, heartfelt testament to the strength and courage of victims of sexual assault. Balancing scenes of raw emotion with a critically important social message, it's a must-watch for anyone willing to listen, learn, and help make a difference.