Mallory

The majority of the interviews with Mallory’s parents are done in her old room, which has not changed since she passed. Her parents are understandably sobbing, recounting that tragic day as well as happier memories of their daughter. It really is heartbreaking to watch. While recalling the mournful day, the 9-1-1 call is played in the documentary, making it all the more tragic. I felt for the Grossman family and those that may be going through the same thing that Mallory went through.

At one time in Mallory, the Grossmans speak to New Jersey Senator Joseph Pennacchio in an attempt to have more punishments towards children that bully. Senator Pennacchio’s answer to that is that it would “be a pain in the neck for the parents” of the children doing the bullying. This shows exactly why Mallory felt that the only way out of being bullied was to end her life. Yes, they are children, but they still need to be held accountable for their actions, which should be taught at school and home. Later on, it is revealed that the group of girls that bullied Mallory continue to go to the same school and have gone on to bully other children even after the passing of Mallory.

“It really is heartbreaking to watch.”

Until now, most of this review has been more on the depressing side of Mallory’s story, but there are also some positives. The documentary includes home videos of Mallory, where she is always smiling and full of personality. The filmmakers also focus on Mallory’s Army, a foundation that the Grossman’s have made to carry on the legacy of their beloved child. Mallory’s Army is a foundation that makes it a mission to bring awareness to bullying – it is a big positive to come out of something so tragic and is a great way to carry her memory on, as is this documentary.

Documentaries such as this need to be made because victims often do not have their stories told or feel that nobody will listen. It is a relatable story for me, and I’m sure that many other people can relate to Mallory’s story. Not everybody in life has a heart of stone, and everybody deals with things differently. You never want to see a child nor anyone committing suicide. Mallory is a very important documentary that brings a very common issue to light.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).