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Surviving Ohio State

Play trailer 1:39 Poster for Surviving Ohio State 2025 1h 48m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 10 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Eva Orner delves into the sexual abuse scandal surrounding athletics doctor Richard Strauss, whose two-decade tenure at The Ohio State University saw the abuse of hundreds of students, and the ongoing quest for justice and accountability by his survivors.
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Surviving Ohio State

Critics Reviews

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Nina Metz Chicago Tribune “Surviving Ohio State” is upsetting and devastating, but also deeply sad because — as is common in similar cases — the film presents claims that those in positions of power looked the other way or tried to bury concerns when they were raised. Rated: 3/4 Jun 16, 2025 Full Review Daniel Fienberg The Hollywood Reporter It may not be as sensational and buzzy as bringing down a major university or a sitting congressman, but since Surviving Ohio State won’t do either thing, it’s worth praising the potency of what it does well. Jun 11, 2025 Full Review Marissa Hill Shade Studios Surviving Ohio State is more than a documentary; it’s a reckoning. It forces us to confront brutal truths about power, trust, and the cost of silence. Jul 30, 2025 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix Surviving Ohio State (about Ohio State University's responsibilities in an employee's longtime sexual abuse of students) makes a clear and convincing case that enabling and covering up crimes are just as heinous as the crimes themselves. Jul 7, 2025 Full Review Scott Hines Decider Surviving Ohio State isn’t an easy film to watch, but it’s an important one, and it handles the task of investigating a difficult topic respectfully and thoroughly. Jun 29, 2025 Full Review Robert W. Butler Butler's Cinema Scene Eva Orner’s documentary, about the sexual abuse scandal that wracked a powerhouse Midwestern University, does an admirable job of telling a big story that most of us have received only in bits and pieces over the better part of three decades. Rated: B Jun 27, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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stephen b While it's an important topic you can't just splice together snippets of interviews and call it a documentary. This was Vice TV level quality for an issue that carried so much weight. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/31/25 Full Review Lynsey M A documentary that everyone should watch. I was seething with anger by the end. These poor men, lives forever affected by an evil predator. But the real villains are perhaps even worse. Very well done! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/12/25 Full Review Jace T Wow. What an absolutely devastating and horrifying story told by people who have no reason to tell it other than seeking accountability and justice. This documentary is very well crafted, and the stories told here are powerful. It absolute astounds me that large organization like this, and people in positions of power can hide truths of "open secrets" like these allegations again Richard Strauss. I truly hope this documentary helps move this case forward, and the victims and survivors of this situation can find peace and justice. I will always call to hold accountability to power. The Ohio State University, Russ Hellickson, and congressman Jim Jordan deserve to have the walls of truth come crashing down around them. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/11/25 Full Review Marc L. A devastating story about the powerful heads of Ohio State’s legendary athletic program and how they turned a blind eye to mass sexual assault of their athletes just to avoid bad headlines and the disruption of their power and success. A harsh indictment of Congressman Jim Jordan, who clearly knew it was happening but who prioritized his own aspirations for power over protecting Ohio State students from sexual assault. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/01/25 Full Review Rich R The latest in the parade of large institutions protecting predators as long as the institution benefits. Beyond the legal issues, this documentary explores the victimization of male athletes who are perceived to be powerful against those who would harm them. The Ohio State coaches - including Congressman Jim Jordan -- were silent when the abuses were happening and, other than denials, they were silent in the making of this documentary. I hope this program shames them for that decision. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/23/25 Full Review Michael W This crime documentary was really good. The entire crew did a spectacular on telling this story about athletes at OSU being sexually assaulted by the team doctor, Richard Strauss. Strauss was an evil person who abused others and used his power to get away with it for so long. Even the OSU school board knew about this the entire time and did nothing. That shows that their cowards and they're not willing to be held accountable for their actions. The athletes deserve justice and they will get it. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, check it out sometime. Even though it's a very dark story, it's worth watching. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/20/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Surviving Ohio State

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Movie Info

Synopsis Academy Award-winning filmmaker Eva Orner delves into the sexual abuse scandal surrounding athletics doctor Richard Strauss, whose two-decade tenure at The Ohio State University saw the abuse of hundreds of students, and the ongoing quest for justice and accountability by his survivors.
Director
Eva Orner
Producer
David Glasser, George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Eva Orner
Distributor
HBO Max
Production Co
HBO Sports Documentaries, 101/Sports Illustrated Studios, Smokehouse Pictures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 17, 2025
Runtime
1h 48m
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