The theme of “Where’s the outrage?” permeates nearly every news report and documentary centered around Donald Trump, including “Stormy,” a captivating film that offers a glimpse into the Stormy Daniels saga from her perspective. Premiering at SXSW and set to release on Peacock on March 18, “Stormy” presents the scandal with an intense, tabloid-meets-serious-news documentary style, aiming to evoke a sense of urgency and indignation. It portrays Stormy Daniels as a complex figure—a liberal folk hero, a cultural warrior, and an unexpected icon of resistance, despite her Republican affiliations. The film’s primary intention is to provoke outrage.
However, despite its best efforts, the outrage seems elusive. While “Stormy” does indeed highlight Trump’s transgressions and the public’s seemingly indifferent response, it fails to evoke the expected outrage from viewers. Instead, the film prompts reflection on America’s fascination with sensationalism and entertainment, particularly in the political arena. Neil Postman’s seminal work, “Amusing Ourselves to Death,” rings true as the film underscores how the most entertaining candidate often garners the most attention and support.
The Stormy Daniels saga, encompassing Trump’s brief liaison with the adult film star and director, straddles the line between legal drama and salacious scandal. It becomes a platform for attention-seekers and media outlets alike, each capitalizing on its sensational nature. From Trump’s attempts to suppress the story through his connections to the National Enquirer to Daniels’ own exploitation of her newfound fame, the saga embodies the intersection of politics, celebrity, and morality.
The heart of the legal drama revolves around the question of whether Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, illegally used campaign funds to reimburse Daniels for her silence. Trump’s subsequent indictment for violating campaign-finance law marks a historic moment, yet the significance of this event is overshadowed by the lurid details of the scandal itself.
Despite the sordid nature of the affair, the media’s coverage—and the film’s focus—often centers on the sensational aspects rather than the legal implications. This dichotomy reflects a broader contradiction within liberal circles, where progressive values clash with the exploitation of Daniels’ involvement in the adult film industry.
“Stormy” offers a revealing look into the life of Stormy Daniels, both during and after the scandal. It portrays her as a savvy media player, capitalizing on her newfound fame while also enduring the consequences of her involvement. Her tumultuous relationship with the media and the legal battles against Trump underscore the complexities of fame and power in contemporary America.
Directed by Sarah Gibson, with footage from filmmaker Denver Nicks, “Stormy” paints a nuanced portrait of a scandal that captivated the nation. From Daniels’ rise to prominence to Trump’s retaliatory measures, the film provides insight into the inner workings of sensationalism and fame. By the film’s conclusion, viewers are left to contemplate the moral and ethical implications of their collective fascination with scandal and celebrity.
