Martha

Somehow I don't find it surprising that Martha Stewart complained publicly to no less than the New York Times about the final cut of the 2024 documentary about her life even though she fully cooperated with longtime documentarian R. J. Cutler on the production. After all, she is a legendary perfectionist who changed the fabric of American lifestyle culture and became the country's first self-made female billionaire. She was appalled that a big chunk of the film was devoted to her conviction and 150-day imprisonment two decades ago (including a day in solitary confinement for what seemed to be a minor infraction), yet this section (replete with illustrations) was the most compelling part of her story. Cutler does a masterful job covering her life, triggering Stewart to discuss aspects of her childhood, marriage, relationships, and business dealings that reveal the price she has paid for her perfectionism. Her life since prison has been an intriguing example of reinvention with unexpected notoriety that has proven fortuitous to her enduring brand. She is truly brilliant but with that detached sense of entitlement that still limits how much of her story she is willing to share even now. This documentary provides clear evidence what a fascinating life Stewart has led due in no small part to her unflinching tenacity and almost telepathic sense of what her audience wants.

I'm close to Martha's age and have watched her for years. Her TV shows and magazines don't reveal how picky she is and how gripey she comes across. This documentary does. I see why her husband left and it must be hard for her to keep her staffs. She doles out constant criticism. Nobody else can do anything right. Everything has to be her way or else. OMG That would get old.

I remember when she was found guilty and sent to prison. Media made such a big deal over her expensive purse but no mention of the attorneys wearing expensive suits etc. She did wrong but many have done much worse and never seen the inside of a prison.

To be fair, despite Martha Stewart's own public criticism of this documentary, this is the most positive, humanizing depiction of her on film.

I'm not a fan but, as a woman, I admire her determination and gumption. At the same time, I can also confirm her behind-the-scenes bad behaviour towards staff, from friends who worked with/for her. But tell me a person in power who doesn't act like a d*ck, because I haven't met one yet.

Still, Martha comes away from this rather likeable and oddly relatable as a human being. And that's a good thing.

Mariana Pasternak, her so-called friend, betraying her to the FBI was so crap.

Here's hoping Martha kicked her to the curb.

I've been a Martha Stewart fan since the mid-90s, when I subscribed to her magazine, watched her TV show, and even bought stuff from her K-Mart line (which was actually not bad). Her prosecution always struck me as absurd, so I was intrigued by this new Netflix documentary, especially after hearing she wasn't thrilled with it. This isn't a fluff piece or pure hagiography; it's Martha in all her fabulous, famously prickly glory. The director crafts a sympathetic, balanced portrait of a brilliant, powerful woman taken down by none other than James Comey, the same man who did Hillary Clinton dirty and indirectly paved the way for where we are today. Whether you're a fan of Martha or just admire an 83-year-old icon who's reinvented herself alongside Snoop and social media, this doc is a must-watch.

Love Martha Stewart all over again after watching this! Learned a lot about her that wasn't commonly know and was reminded of what a trailblazer she is. All she was able to accomplish is truly remarkable. Her life hasn't been quite as easy as it appeared watching and reading her all these years. The only thing I would change, rather than just voiceovers, would have been to show a few of the people interviewed (her daughter and siblings especially). This documentary left me wanting to watch and learn more about Martha. I wish it had been a limited series. Love her style, intellect, and wit. She is as great now as she ever was!