Review: Seeing Allred

Seeing Allred is a captivating documentary that pulls back the curtain on the life and career of the legendary lawyer and feminist icon Gloria Allred.

Directed by Roberta Grossman, the film takes an in-depth look at Allred's fearless pursuit of justice for women, particularly in high-profile cases involving sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination. The documentary offers an intimate portrait of a woman who has become both a symbol of resilience and a lightning rod for controversy, embodying the complex and often polarised role of a public figure fighting for women's rights.

Gloria Allred is a trailblazer, but her journey has not been without significant pushback. The film dives deep into her personal and professional life, showing how Allred's determination to take on powerful figures—often with a razor-sharp media presence—has earned her both admiration and scorn. Through archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access to her legal battles, Seeing Allred presents a compelling narrative of a woman who has consistently stood at the intersection of law, feminism, and activism.

The documentary opens with an overview of Allred’s early life and the formative experiences that led her to become a lawyer. From her traumatic experience with sexual violence to her later role in the civil rights movement, the film paints a picture of a woman who was deeply influenced by personal hardship and who channeled that pain into a lifelong commitment to justice. Allred’s tenacity as an attorney is showcased through various cases that have made national headlines, including her work with women who have accused powerful men like Bill Cosby, Donald Trump, and Roger Ailes of sexual misconduct.

One of the most striking aspects of Seeing Allred is its portrayal of the immense challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated legal profession. The documentary does an excellent job of highlighting the backlash Allred received throughout her career—often being labeled as an opportunist or "media-hungry" for her bold public appearances. Despite this, the film shows how she used the media to amplify the voices of her clients, often putting their stories front and center in a way that many others in the legal world would not dare to do.

The film’s pacing is brisk yet thorough, allowing the viewer to understand both Allred’s legal strategy and the personal toll her work has taken on her. There are moments of vulnerability as Allred reflects on the emotional burden of representing women who have suffered profound trauma. These quieter moments contrast with the more high-energy sequences, where Allred is seen confidently navigating press conferences and courtroom drama, underscoring the multifaceted nature of her personality and work.

What makes Seeing Allred so powerful is its balanced portrayal of a woman who is simultaneously revered and vilified. Allred herself is unapologetically aware of the complexities of her role in society. She’s not shy about acknowledging the criticisms and controversies that have followed her, but her steadfast commitment to advocating for the voiceless and the marginalised never wavers. The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing both the highs and lows of her career, illustrating that the pursuit of justice is often messy, difficult, and imperfect.

In addition to focusing on Allred’s professional life, Seeing Allred also explores her personal relationships, particularly with her daughter, who is featured in several key interviews. This personal element adds an additional layer to the documentary, providing insight into how Allred has managed to balance her demanding career with motherhood—a constant theme for women in the workplace, especially those in high-pressure fields like law.

The cinematography is sleek and polished, with careful attention to visual detail that keeps the viewer engaged. The film uses a mix of archival footage, personal interviews, and news clips, offering a well-rounded look at Allred's impact. The soundtrack complements the documentary’s tone, amplifying the emotional moments without overpowering them.

Seeing Allred is not just a biographical account of Gloria Allred’s life and career—it’s a broader meditation on the fight for women's rights, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the personal cost of being a trailblazer. While Allred is undoubtedly an iconic figure, the documentary encourages viewers to grapple with the complexities of her legacy—acknowledging both the progress she has made possible and the inevitable conflicts she has faced along the way.

Rating: 4.5/5

A must-watch for anyone interested in feminist history, social justice, or the intersection of media and law. Seeing Allred is a riveting exploration of a woman who refused to be silenced—and whose story continues to inspire and challenge us today.