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The Most Hated Woman in America

Play trailer 1:34 Poster for The Most Hated Woman in America 2017 1h 31m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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40% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 41% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
The rise and untimely demise of Madalyn Murray O'Hair (Melissa Leo), crank, swindler, iconoclast, and America's most outspoken atheist.
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The Most Hated Woman in America

The Most Hated Woman in America

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Critics Consensus

This lackluster look into the farcical face of The Most Hated Woman In America has some sly performances but offers little in the way of further insight.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Long Detroit News She is an enigma and her rise to success a mirror of self-delusional hokum that should make us pause in reflection. Rated: B Mar 30, 2017 Full Review Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com A film that is simultaneously too much and nothing at all because it's jumping around so much narratively. Rated: 1.5/4 Mar 24, 2017 Full Review Serena Donadoni Village Voice Murray O'Hair was a force of nature, and Leo captures her formidable bluster, along with flashes of vulnerability contrasting with the stern certainty of her public appearances. Mar 22, 2017 Full Review Matt Oakes Silver Screen Riot Stories based on a true story often face the detriment of audiences knowing how it's all going to end. That will certainly be the case for many with The Most Hated Woman in America. Rated: C+ Nov 5, 2018 Full Review Christopher James AwardsCircuit.com The Most Hated Woman in America has bite. It just doesn't land each of its targets. Rated: 2/4 Nov 3, 2018 Full Review Morgan Rojas Cinemacy After this biopic, it is hopeful that one will take away a new understanding or, dare I say, sympathy, for the woman who singlehandedly changed America... for better or for worse. Aug 6, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jeff M I was not familiar with Madalyn Murray O'Hair before seeing this film, and I suppose the best compliment I can give the movie makers is that they make me want to learn more about her. This film is an appetizer when the subject needed and deserved a main course. We basically get highlights from decades of her life - nothing substantial or deep. And the tone of the movie is inconsistent - sometimes it feels like a satire along the lines of THE POSITIVELY TRUE ADVENTURES OF THE ALLEGED TEXAS CHEERLEADER MURDERING MOM, other scenes seem to mimic darkly comic films like FARGO, and at other times the aim seems to be for serious drama. All that said, this is a highly watchable and often enjoyable film, anchored by a surprisingly strong lead performance by Leo. She tends to be an overly emotive and exaggerated actress, and a role like Madalyn is fodder for overacting; but she somehow keeps things rooted in reality even during the craziest of moments. A really great and important film could be made of this subject - unfortunately this isn't quite it. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/22/24 Full Review Kelsey P It tried. It was interesting to learn about Madalyn Murray O'Hair as I have never heard of her. This film could have had the potential to be fantastic. However the characters, based on real people lacked depth and were more-so caricatures. I didn't feel like we really got to know anyone. Then all of a sudden the movie was just over. Very strange. In all honestly I kept falling asleep and it took me three days to get through it. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 06/30/23 Full Review Colleen B Really great cast, interesting story, but uneven storytelling and really bad wigs. Important part of history that could have been even better with more investment in the product. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/20/23 Full Review lolita t Amazingly bad wigs and weird acting. Disturbing vibes of crappy amateur theater. Such a pity her whole life was reduced to her kidnapping story. Loved the Atheist Christmas scene, though. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Rashid Z Surprised at the low ratings. An excellent film! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/05/22 Full Review dane m Truly a story that resonates today. A tad over-the-top but then...isn't that what religion is? This is a truly frightening legend. Real Life Hero Atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair is needed more than ever today as rabid Christians are on a path to revive blatant ignorance and hatred against those who disagree with their dogma. https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2017/03/24/the-most-hated-woman-in-america-a-review-of-netflixs-film-about-atheist-madalyn-murray-ohair/ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Most Hated Woman in America

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis The rise and untimely demise of Madalyn Murray O'Hair (Melissa Leo), crank, swindler, iconoclast, and America's most outspoken atheist.
Director
Tommy O'Haver
Producer
Elizabeth Banks, Laura Rister, Max Handelman
Screenwriter
Tommy O'Haver, Irene Turner
Production Co
Brownstone Productions
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 23, 2017
Runtime
1h 31m
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