I am Vanessa Guillen is a Netflix documentary film based on the true story of the sexual harassment and murder of a 20-year-old US military specialist Vanessa Guillen. The film is produced by Isabel Castro, Lindsey Cordero, Armando Croda, and Christy Wegener, who is also the director of the documentary.
The 1 hour 35 minutes film documents the series of events that happened after Vanessa went missing from her military base in Fort Hood. After Vanessa’s family members started searching for her, they came across various hurdles that made their search more difficult. Facts were hidden, culprits were protected, and the family found themselves locking horns with a vicious circle of the “chain of command” in the US Military.
I am Vanessa Guillen Plot
The documentary begins with flashback pictures of Vanessa’s school years and her cheerful life as a high schooler. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when Vanessa, a passionate and dedicated army aspirant, enrolled herself in the graduation program. Despite several warnings from her Mexican mother, this young girl decided to pursue her dream of serving in the U.S. Army.
Originally belonging to a Mexican family, Vanessa was born and brought up in the US. Ever since she was 10, she wanted to join the armed forces. Vanessa fulfilled her dream but unfortunately, what she dreamt of in her childhood came in front of her as a dark and deadly reality.
I am Vanessa Guillen is the story of Vanessa Guillen and, more importantly her strong family, who literally “moved mountains” to seek justice for their daughter and many other sexual harassment survivors in the army.
Also Read: Shadow Detective Ending Explained: Does Taek-rok Identify the ‘Friend’? Will There Be a Season 2?
I am Vanessa Guillen Review
I am Vanessa Guillen is a heart-wrenching film. The sheer pain and agony of the Guillen family are apparent. Their wounds are still so fresh. The people that they trusted were the ones who not only betrayed them but also took away their happiness. The film exposes the dark side of the US Military and the Military Justice System.
Being a documentary, the film does not follow a linear approach. It keeps going back to the past and then comes back to the present. It’s impressive how many recordings and video clips the makers have compiled together. This compilation helps to gain the trust of the viewers and forms a deeper connection with them.
The documentary is sure to give you goosebumps. It will shake you to the core while exposing everything in the case. It was a really brave step for the Guillen family to come forward and share their story with the world. It’s the kind of documentary that is an eye-opener for people.
I am Vanessa Guillen exposes the politics that runs in the military base camps. The film focuses on the strength of persistence and unity that the Hispanic community showed in Vanessa’s case. As a spectator, this movie was overwhelming for me. It had so many mixed emotions of grief, anger, betrayal, and trust altogether.
Vanessa’s dejected mother, her resilient big sister Mayra and her brave younger sister Lupe gave a voice to so many other victims that had to stay silent due to the unjust military justice system. This film proved that the system was a massive failure. A soldier needs to feel safe first to make the citizens feel safe.
The docufilm ends with the U.S. Senate passing the ‘I am Vanessa Guillen Act’, which allows the hiring of an independent prosecutor to investigate cases of sexual assault in the U.S. Military. A historic decision, the act is a small step in the right direction and gives hope for a better tomorrow.
It has a very strong message. “Nothing is impossible if we try hard enough”. A Mexican family meeting Donald Trump and bringing a revolutionary change in the system is an example of perseverance, hard work, and consistency. The family did not let Vanessa’s sacrifice go in vain.
I would highly recommend this documentary to everyone. It will make you aware of the significant and hard-hitting reality that often gets sidelined among the other issues in the world.
I am Vanessa Guillen is streaming on Netflix.
Also Read: Reincarnated as a Sword Episode 9 Preview: When, Where and How to Watch!