Watch An Open Secret

An Open Secret is a 2014 documentary film that explores the widespread problem of sexual exploitation of underage boys in the entertainment industry in Hollywood. Directed by Amy J. Berg, the movie is a riveting expose that draws on testimony from several victims, investigative reporters, and former employees to shed light on the dark side of the industry that most people never hear about.

The film is presented in a series of interviews and testimonials from boys who have been abused or exploited by industry insiders, including managers, agents, producers, and even high-profile actors. The main focus of the film is on the allegations made by Michael Egan III, a former child actor who claims that he was repeatedly molested and raped by several Hollywood executives when he was a teenager.

Egan's story is told in detail, as well as the stories of several other boys who suffered similar abuse at the hands of those in power. The film doesn't shy away from showing the disturbing nature of the crimes committed against these children and the difficult path they have to navigate to get justice.

The movie also covers the ways in which the Hollywood elite protect each other and obscure any allegations of wrongdoing. The film shows how difficult it is for victims to come forward and how the system seems designed to prevent the truth from being exposed.

One interesting aspect of An Open Secret is the way in which it explores the issue of consent in relation to minors in the entertainment industry. The film draws attention to the power dynamics at play when powerful adults are involved with children who are trying to make it in a highly competitive industry.

The movie also exposes the inner workings of talent agencies and management firms, showing how they can enable or cover up abuse as part of their business model. The film questions the ethics of an industry that tends to exploit the hopes and dreams of vulnerable youngsters for profit.

Moreover, the film delves into the experiences of boys from lower socio-economic backgrounds who are often vulnerable to exploitation because they lack the resources and support networks to protect them.

What sets An Open Secret apart from other documentaries dealing with similar subject matter is the way it depicts the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse on victims. The movie shows how trauma can manifest itself in multiple ways, from addiction to mental illness and beyond, and explores the complex relationship between trauma and victimhood.

Overall, An Open Secret is a thought-provoking and gripping documentary that shines a light on a pervasive issue in the entertainment industry that has gone on for far too long. The film is equal parts shocking and moving, and it brings much-needed attention to the need for more robust child protection laws and greater accountability for those who engage in such reprehensible practices.

In conclusion, An Open Secret is a movie that will make you angry, sad, and frustrated. But most importantly, it will make you reflect on the flawed systems that allow such outrages to happen repeatedly.