Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie’ on HBO Max, an evocative documentary exploring the strength, struggles, and life story of the late deaf bodybuilder

Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Irene Taylor returns to HBO Max with her newest documentary, Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie. The director joins forces with Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin to dive deep into the life of former bodybuilder and American Gladiators cast member, Shelley Beattie. The film chronicles Beattie‘s complicated childhood, incredible work ethic, internal struggles, and experiences with deafness, painting a thought-provoking picture of the late athlete and advocate.

The Gist: Utilizing archival footage, artful animation, candid interviews, personal journal entries, and narration from deaf actress and advocate Marlee Matlin, this documentary shares the life story of Shelley Beattie from her troubled youth in rural Oregon through her impressive athletic career to her death at the age of 40 in 2008. The film patches together a picture of Beattie by weaving the memories, emotions, and thoughts of those who knew her best with old reflections, artwork, and videos from Beattie herself. Through it all, Matlin examines the parallels between her own experiences and all that Beattie endured as they both navigated deafness in an often isolating hearing world.

To Beattie’s three younger siblings she was a fierce idol; to her parents she was an often incomprehensible challenge; to her friends at Western Oregon University she was a tenacious, dedicated spitfire who embraced bodybuilding, dance, and mastering American Sign Language. Beattie’s former lovers note her sensitive spirit, struggles with self-destructive behavior, and desire to feel understood. Bodybuilding competitors and journalists remarked on her inherent potential, fluid posing routines, and unshakable focus. Other accounts label Beattie as both a victim and perpetrator of sexual assault. Many saw her as the beloved, fearless “Siren” on American Gladiators and a trailblazer to the deaf community, but those closest to her saw the pain and sickness behind the muscles she wore like armor.

So, who really was Shelley Beattie? This documentary brings these voices and perspectives together to depict the vibrant, flawed, and inspiring woman that Beattie was, as well as the unforgettable legacy she leaves behind.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of? You may be reminded of other documentaries from Irene Taylor that explore similar themes of deafness, resilience, and personal challenges, like Hear and Now, Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements, and I Am: Celine Dion.

Our Take: There are some serious, potentially triggering topics like self-harm, suicide, and abuse in this documentary, but Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie handles these themes, as well as its own subject, with compassion and care. Irene Taylor does an amazing job of presenting a rich, detailed tapestry of Shelley Beattie’s humanity, demons and all, while also highlighting her work in raising awareness for deafness and mental health. And adding Marlee Matlin into the mix only deepens the narrative and its impact, as her story seamlessly ties into and mirrors parts of Beattie’s, culminating in a final crossover that’s both satisfying and heart-wrenching.

I came into this knowing nothing of Shelley Beattie and left moved to tears by her story and the words of those who knew her best. From the jump, the documentary pulls you in with a respectful and tenderly crafted presentation of an exceptional yet complicated woman, and it continues to engross you with a kaleidoscope of memories, anecdotes, and feelings to lend a voice to a woman who is no longer here to tell her own tale. Some moments may leave you wondering what else occurred or wishing you could hear additional perspectives, but perhaps this is ultimately a reminder to reach across the barriers of things that mystify, elude, or confound us in the pursuit of greater connection and comprehension.

Our Call: Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie is intense, purposeful, and moving in its depiction of deafness, mental health, and the physical form through Shelley Beattie’s story. It’s honestly a beautiful watch and well worth your time. STREAM IT!

Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.