Watch I Was Lorena Bobbitt
- TV-14
- 2020
-
6.0 (352)
I Was Lorena Bobbitt is a four-part documentary series that tells the story of Lorena Bobbitt, who became a household name in the 90s when she severed her husband John Wayne Bobbitt's penis while he was sleeping. The show explores the deeply entrenched sexism and misogyny that Bobbitt faced from both the legal system and the media during her trial and the aftermath of the infamous incident.
The series features interviews with Bobbitt herself, as well as her family, friends, lawyers, and experts in domestic violence and trauma. Jorja Cadence, who portrays Bobbitt in the dramatic reenactments, delivers a powerful performance that conveys the emotional toll that Bobbitt's experience took on her.
Through the lens of Bobbitt's story, the series shines a light on the larger issue of domestic violence and the ways in which the legal system has historically failed to protect victims. The show also highlights the lengths that the media will go to sensationalize a story, no matter the personal cost to those involved.
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the way that it explores the psychological abuse that Bobbitt endured at the hands of her husband. The show provides a nuanced look at the dynamics of abusive relationships and the ways in which abusers often manipulate and control their victims. Niamh Wilson delivers a heartbreaking performance as a young Lorena, capturing the vulnerability and fear that Bobbitt must have felt throughout her marriage.
Another standout element of the series is its examination of the way that Bobbitt was demonized by the media in the aftermath of the incident. Dani Montalvo portrays the reporters who hounded Bobbitt and exploited her trauma for ratings, highlighting the distorting effects of sensationalized news coverage. The show makes a powerful argument for the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to prioritize human decency over clickbait.
Overall, I Was Lorena Bobbitt is a thought-provoking and empathetic exploration of a complex and controversial event. The show does a masterful job of balancing its different elements, weaving together interviews, reenactments, and archival footage to create a rich and nuanced portrait of its subject. The result is a deeply moving and ultimately inspiring series that sheds new light on one of the most infamous cases of the past few decades.