Bullied: Review

13th February 2021

Bullied is a documentary which deals with the issues surrounding bullying, talking to the parents of the victims of bullying who have taken their own lives, plus taking into account the influences and reasons behind bullying.

Directed by Thomas Keith, a lecturer in American philosophy and gender studies and who has many documentaries about culture and masculinity. Bullied shows in a frank, honest and sometimes shocking way the extent of which bullying can lead to suicide.

However, Bullied is not shocking in a sensationalised way, instead it serves to show the viewers exactly what happens when people decide to dominate others physically, psychologically and emotionally.

The documentary covers many different aspects of bullying and their victims which include those who are bullied because they’re gay or because of the colour of their skin. Exploring the different influences of bullying, the documentary also talks to many experts who highlight things such as media, politicians, sports and even reality TV as a potential cause of bullying. Even going as far as to explore the influence that Donald Trump had over his followers.

Filmed in a somewhat televisual style, Bullied is full of interviews with many experts, parents and also with children who have been the victims of bullying. Often being recorded by their parents via their phones, the documentary shows the raw and immediate reactions to bullying and how it makes children feel which could be upsetting. However, again the intention is not to shock but to show its audience how it makes victims feel every day.

However, although there is a primary focus on bullying amongst children and the adult effect of bullying is discussed, the documentary never really goes too far into the effects of bullying among adults. The oldest victim shown in the documentary is around 20 and his experiences were around high school time.

Perhaps a wider variety of bullying shown in the workplace, among friends and other social situations might have given an even broader look at the subject. Bullied is still very powerful and sometimes moving though, as it shows that although things can look tough, there is a chance of hope.

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