This article contains references to sexual assault.
Luckiest Girl Alive, starring the terrific Mila Kunis, finally hit Netflix, and it has got everyone talking about its rare insight into the world of post-traumatic stress sustained from sexual assault.
The mystery drama, adapted from Jessica Knoll's bestselling 2015 novel, sees That' 70s Show star Mila take on the role of Ani FaNelli, a New Yorker who seems to have it all. She has a high-profile, respectable job at the publication, The Women's Bible, spends her free time attending fitness classes and is set to marry her old-money fiancé Luke (American Horror Story's Finn Wittrock).
However, beneath the surface, she struggles with the trauma of being sexually assaulted as a teenager just before a mass shooting at her school. To make matters worse, one of the teen boys who assaulted her accused her of being somehow involved in the shooting and sticks to his story as he lobbies for gun reform over the years.
Here's what we know.
While we'll save the massive spoilers and let you watch Luckiest Girl Alive for yourself to see how events unfold, the depictions of sexual assault during the film were visually unflinching and graphic. However, viewers were quick to praise Mila for how she navigated and brought to life the trauma and PTSD of the main character.
One viewer tweeted: "This was such a powerful and important film and Mila did an incredible job wow. It had some painfully accurate moments exploring trauma & grief. The transitions between teen Ani and adult Ani were excellent. The ending was perfect. I loved it. Amazing film #LuckiestGirlAlive."
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Another said: "Just watched this on Netflix. Not easy viewing but none of it should be. A story of how trauma can and does follow people around with them. Range of important issues explored. Mila Kunis excellent. #LuckiestGirlAlive," while a third echoed: "#LuckiestGirlAlive is a poignant reminder that no matter how much you try to conceal your trauma, until you walk in your truth, it will continue to hold you captive. Internally and externally, as your life of surviving is built on a facade."
Someone else added: "Luckiest Girl Alive is the best depiction of Complex PTSD I've ever seen. A moving portrayal of coping with assault in a culture that protects the perpetrators."
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
However, while praise was dispersed, there was also plenty of criticism directed at streaming service Netflix for failing to give viewers a trigger warning about the content of the film.
"I did not realize what #LuckiestGirlAlive was about before watching it. That movie needs a major trigger warning. Several actually," one commented, while another added: "Appreciated #LuckiestGirlAlive on @Netflix but wow it needs a bigger trigger warning. Just a heads up for those who plan to watch it."
While Netflix does give the warning of "sexual violence" and "threat" at the top of the screen when the Luckiest Girl Alive starts, we definitely agree that they need to give a clearer and more prominent caution warning to viewers - especially those who may be grappling with the aftermath of their own sexual assault trauma.
GLAMOUR has contacted Netflix and is awaiting comment.
If you've been affected by anything in this article, The Survivors Trust offers support and advice.
The claims were made in a new countersuit.
