The Most Hated Woman in America

2017

1h 31m

Biography

Drama

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List

38%

21 Reviews

Tomatometer

40%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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Rashid Z

Surprised at the low ratings. An excellent film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/22

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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

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Tommy O'Haver

Director

Melissa Leo

Madalyn Murray O'Hair

Juno Temple

Robin Murray O'Hair

Adam Scott

Actor

Peter Fonda

Reverend Harrington

Vincent Kartheiser

Bill Jr.

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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

Roger Moore

Movie Nation

A pretty ugly portrait, perhaps unfairly so.

Rated: 1.5/4

Nov 18, 2019

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

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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: Ian Bricke, Tommy O'Haver
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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