Lorena
Updated: Jul 15, 2021
(available on Prime)
WARNING: contains themes of spousal verbal/physical/sexual abuse FTC Rating: (3.5 out of 5) Long discussed on talk shows and around the water cooler, a story of desperation and abuse becomes part of popular culture. This four-part docuseries revisits the trials and the public’s fascination with the lives of John and Lorena Bobbitt.
Strengths: -Features in-depth interviews with John and Lorena Bobbitt -Trial footage -Discusses gender specific opinions regarding the case -Episode 4 reveals what became of John and Lorena after they were no longer in the national spotlight Weakness: -The re-enactments are okay
Final Thought: The opening episode has a strange tone and arguably this is on purpose. When the case is first presented, the idea of cutting off a penis is “funny” (men on talk shows wince, medical doctors giggle) but as the docuseries progresses, the filmmakers reveal the serious personal and societal implications surrounding the actions of this desperate woman. I would recommend holding off judgement until the end of episode 2.
