The Fire that Took Her

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The Fire that Took Her

Released Oct 21, 2022

1h 34m

Documentary

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100%

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7 Reviews

91%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

An exploration of the murder trial for Judy Malinowski.

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Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

This true story’s themes of domestic violence, traumatic injury and addiction are unpacked in the straightforward documentary “The Fire That Took Her.”

Oct 20, 2022

Full Review

Drew Tinnin

Dread Central

It would be a disservice to Judy and her family to warn viewers about just how graphic some scenes are in The Fire That Took Her. That’s the point. Facing that pain is just one small way that we, the audience, can pay our respects.

Feb 17, 2024

Full Review

Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

Although she was murdered, Malinowski’s story is not that of a victim, but of a woman who fought for justice — not just towards the man who murdered her, but also unfair laws in the state of Ohio — until the bitter end.

Feb 13, 2024

Full Review

Erik Childress

Movie Madness Podcast

A genuinely harrowing but also hopeful true crime tale that is a cautionary tale both of domestic abuse as well as the opioid crisis that reminds us how much women's voices matter and that justice occasionally shines through the darkness.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 29, 2023

Full Review

Steven Prokopy

Third Coast Review

The Fire That Took Her is a tough but necessary viewing experience that is meant to both enrage and inspire those watching, and it does both with unblinking courage on both sides of the camera.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 25, 2023

Full Review

Jared Mobarak

The Film Stage

While it would be easy to dismiss the package in which these interviews and recordings arrive as conventional, the subject matter can't help but elevate the material beyond our objectivity too.

Rated: B

Oct 18, 2022

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Jen

Absolutely incredible and powerful film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/22

Full Review

EH

It is nearly statistically impossible for you to not know someone who has experienced domestic abuse. This film takes a firm grip on the subject as the truth of Judy's heroic story unfolds. Director Patricia Gillespie created an unlinching film that is a must see for all audiences. A truthful documentary about a crime in an era of "true crime" that speaks to your soul rather than intoxicate your brain with sadistic entertainment. Spread the word.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/22/22

Full Review

Kenneth H

Infuriating and overwhelmingly heartbreaking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

Full Review

Michael W

A must watch for true crime documentary fans. Full disclosure tho, absolutely gut wrenching.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/23

Full Review

Shawn B

This is tragic tale of evil & domestic violence perpetrated against Judy Malinowski, a thirty one year old mother.who is set on fire by her live in boyfriend. It is a disturbing documentary to watch, yet it reveals the indomitable spirit of this young woman and her fight for justice for all women who are victims of domestic violence. Her testimony deserves to be heard. I found it compelling, heartbreaking but also , extremely hopeful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/23

Full Review

Phoebe O

I think this is such an important movie, for women and men alike. The scourge of domestic violence and the effects of the opioid crisis are brilliantly portrayed in this film. To me, seeing Judy's story was one exceptional opportunity to see how a victim fights to become a hero, but also, to understand how the aftermath of the barbaric acts she experienced has affected her own family. A tough, but a most watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/23

Full Review

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Patricia Gillespie

Director

Judy Malinowski

Self

Patricia Gillespie

Producer

Julie Goldman

Producer

Christopher Clements

Producer

Carolyn Hepburn

Producer

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Synopsis

An exploration of the murder trial for Judy Malinowski.

Director: Patricia Gillespie
Producer: Patricia Gillespie, Julie Goldman, Christopher Clements, Carolyn Hepburn, Kristi Jacobson, Tracy Elizabeth Jarrett
Distributor: MTV Documentary Films
Production Co: Goldcrest Features, Yellowbelly Films, Motto Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 21, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2023
Runtime: 1h 34m

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