The Gabby Petito Story

Looks like there's a split here with reviews for the movie. Some people hate it; some people were satisfied with it, me included.

First off, I understand that value of respect, or disrespect according to others, of the story still being fresh in their eyes. As well as the fact that the actual families of Gabby and Brian did not put any of their time into this adaptation. Or that this was only a cash grab. Frankly, I think those reviewers thought too much into it. It's a movie. An adaptation of the real-life story of Gabby and Brian and truthfully, I think the cast, directors, producers did a fine job. I am quite certain they tried their best to respect the lives affected by this and all they wanted was to project the life Gabby and Brian had together leading up to her murder.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was interesting to actually see the dramatizations that many of us already had in our minds about Brian, specifically. They brought every snapshot the media reported and the in-between of what may have happened. I watched it until the very end just glued to the TV and it brought back the sorrow and sympathy I felt for Gabby when this was national news a couple years ago.

This was a low-budget film, I mean it was a Lifetime movie, not a Hollywood blockbuster. So I already knew what to expect from this production. So with that said, I took this movie in with curiousity and intrigue and have enjoyed it. Cash grab? No. Too soon? Nah. The parents' disapproval? Sure, that's their choice. But I would not let it prevent you from watching it.

All I can say is that I did enjoy it, I definitely was intrigued by it, and it did help piece together some of the narrative I already had in my thoughts. I'm sure the cast and crew just wanted to bring the story together so we can sympathize it even more. So, because of that at face-value, I give it an 8 out of 10. I'd say watch it. It was entertaining enough.

I think this movie is decent for Lifetime standards. I don't get however that they cast Gabby's "mom" as an actor that is 12 years apart from the actress that plays Gabby. It's very obvious she doesn't look like she would be her mom IRL. So idk casting could have been better!! I know sometimes this happens but it just seems kind of dumb and I am an actor and producer so I don't see how they cast it like this because it's not believeable. The acting was ok and I honestly haven't heard of this story until now but I like to watch these type of movies if they are done at least somewhat believable.

This is a film depicting domestic violence, circumstances matter. The actress portraying Gabby is someone who appears to be in her early thirties when Gabby AND her friend were in their twenties. A for effort, but for victims who have been there and done that, it does NOT portray an unknowing victim.

The events appear accurate, and also introduces an element of mental health problems as to Brian which was not made main stream to the public, which could shift the court of public opinion.

I don't know. I have mixed thoughts. New elements, and improper casting leaves me feeling unsettled about public perception.

To all those who are complaining that the filmmakers didn't have permission to make the movie, I think you need to shift your focus.

A few years ago in the US four women per day were murdered most often by a current or former partner.

Recently it's now five women per day. No one else is doing anything substantial to help stop women in this country from being murdered, nor stop the victim blaming, except movies like this which show what an abuser and victim look like.

It does a fantastic job of showing the different stages in a situation between an abusive partner and their victim.

Movies like this save lives much more than people who complain about little things.

Lifetime did not have permission to make this movie. They made it anyway. They did not have the rights to Gabby's image. They made it anyway.

They had 30 minutes of ads throughout the premiere and are now selling the movie for $5 online. Yet not a dime has been given to the Gabby Petito Foundation. That's just wrong.

If you want to watch the movie, I'd suggest finding a way that doesn't involve Lifetime getting any money from it (Arrrrr).

They re-enacted Gabby's videos, her pictures, they re-enacted the Moab police stop. It's weird, the actress even wore the same clothes Gabby did. The rest of the story is highly fictionalized. They got pretty much all the fictionalized parts wrong. But I'm not here to correct them, that's up to Gabby's family.

I'm giving it 3 stars because the actress did nail Gabby's voice and mannerisms.