The Assault

Audience Reviews

View More (4)

BadNews R The Assault is a gut-wrenching drama that forces its audience to confront one of the most harrowing realities imaginable. It is not an easy film to watch, and nor should it be. Based on true events, it tells the story of a teenage girl who is sexually assaulted and then made to suffer further humiliation at the hands of her peers, her community, and even the very institutions that should have protected her. What makes the film especially devastating is not only the crime itself, but the way the victim is treated afterward. From the very beginning, the attacker admits to what he did, but insists that it was consensual. That single word—“consensual”—becomes the shield behind which he hides, while the school, the football team, and even much of the town rally behind him instead of the girl. Because she was a cheerleader, because she had a reputation for dating football players, her trauma is dismissed, and she is mocked, harassed, and ridiculed as though she brought it upon herself. A video of the assault, edited and spliced to make it look like she wanted it, spreads through the school and cements her isolation. The director captures the emotional devastation with unflinching clarity. Every frame lingers on the pain in the victim’s eyes—the mixture of shame, confusion, and despair that makes her struggle feel brutally real. The contrast is striking against the cold indifference of those around her, particularly the teammates who treat the crime as if it were nothing. Equally compelling is the subplot of the detective, determined to pursue justice and protect the girl, even while facing immense pressure. The moral conflict deepens when we learn that the coach of the football team—one of the figures shielding the players—is her own younger brother, placing loyalty and justice on a collision course. While the writing isn’t flawless—there are moments where the dialogue leans toward melodrama—the story itself is strong enough to carry the film. Its greatest strength lies in the raw honesty with which it portrays how communities often idolize sports teams, elevating young athletes to near-untouchable status. That cultural pedestal allows predators to hide in plain sight while victims are discredited, silenced, and retraumatized. In the end, The Assault isn’t just a film—it’s a sobering reminder of how easily justice can be twisted when power and popularity take precedence over truth. It’s one of those movies that doesn’t just entertain; it shakes you, angers you, and demands to be remembered. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/21/25 Full Review Audience Member A few things left eh but I loved its light on sexual assault on younger girls ! Showed people who have been a victim can fight their abusers Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member This was a very good movie, it played out better than I thought it would. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Brave soul #cheerleader Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Assault

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now