Entertainment
Evan Rachel Wood’s Phoenix Rising: Release date, trailer and how to watch
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The two-part HBO Max documentary Phoenix Rising follows actress Evan Rachel Wood’s fight for domestic violence justice as she alleges emotional, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Marilyn Manson.
Despite the rise of Hollywood’s #MeToo movement and an increase in awareness around sexual abuse and violence against women, survivors are still struggling to be believed, with many called into question, shamed, and continuing to battle their abusers being brought to justice.
Marilyn Manson has denied allegations against him, though many women have come forward accusing him of physical and psychological assault.
American rapper Kanye West has stood by Manson despite the allegations, as they recently performed together at West’s Donda listening party in Miami.
What is the Phoenix Rising documentary about?
The Westworld actress and activist Evan Rachel Wood is fighting against this system, in a powerful new documentary where she opens up about her allegations against singer Marilyn Manson who she says abused her sexually, emotionally and physically.
Exploring Wood’s own experiences, the documentary will shed light on many misconceptions surrounding domestic abuse including the difficulties victims face in coming forward and speaking out.
The 34-year-old is one of many who have come forward accusing him of abuse, which he continues to deny.
Manson, now 52, was engaged to Wood in 2010 for a few months after three years of dating, starting when she was 19 and he was 36.
The documentary, which has been two years in the making, is apparently named after the Phoenix Act, which lengthens the statute of limitations for victims of domestic violence.
The bill was passed in California in 2019, partly due to Wood’s activism.
Is there a trailer?
A 2-minute trailer released earlier today reveals Wood’s mother saying: ‘He studied how to manipulate people and ruined her.
‘He’s a predator.’
‘He’s a predator,’ warns Wood’s mother in the trailer (Picture: Backgrid / REX)
Her brother adds: ‘Everyone was looking at Marilyn Manson, and they weren’t watching Brian Warner.’
Other survivors are shown in the trailer, with Wood comforting one: ‘You are not alone.’
‘You are not alone,’ the actress and activist shares with other survivors (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)
‘Numerous women heard my story and they knew exactly who it was,’ she says. ‘I realised then that I wasn’t the only one this had happened to.’
The trailer also features images from Wood’s past, including ones showing bruises on her body.
‘Not only did people hear our stories but they said “Yeah, we hear you and something does need to change,”‘ the activist shares.
Tearfully she adds: ‘I realise this is the first time I haven’t been doubted or questioned or shamed.
‘It’s the first time that someone was really listening.’
Sharing the trailer on her Instagram, Wood courageously wrote: ‘When the laws don’t protect you, change them.’
What is the release date of Phoenix Rising?
Part 1 of Phoenix Rising: Don’t Fall will premiere on Tuesday 15 March 2022, and Part 2, Phoenix Rising: Stand up will premiere the next day, Wednesday 16 March 2022.
The documentary has already aired at Sundance Film Festival in January, after which Wood revealed that her former fiancé ‘always said that Hitler was the first rock star,’ adding that Manson was manipulative, made ‘fun’ of her for being Jewish, and got ‘multiple swastika tattoos.’
She also alleged that Manson ‘essentially raped her’ on camera during filming the music video of his 2007 track, Heart-Shaped Glasses (When The Heart Guides The Hand). Representatives for Manson have denied these claims.
The couple were engaged in 2010 for a few months after three years of dating (Picture: John Shearer/WireImage)
Following Wood’s courage and lead in coming forward, Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco and former porn star Jenna Jameson Bitton have alleged abuse at the hands of Manson, speaking out about their own experiences and stories.
More: US TV news
How to watch in the UK
It has not yet been confirmed when the documentary will be available to stream in the UK, however HBO content airs on Sky in the UK and will likely be made available to stream on NOW.
Part 1, Phoenix Rising: Don’t Fall will premiere on 15 March, with Part 2, Phoenix Rising: Stand Up premiering 16 March available to stream on HBO Max.
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email advice@solacewomensaid.org.
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men’s Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at info@mensadviceline.org.uk.
MORE : Evan Rachel Wood claims Marilyn Manson had ‘Hitler obsession’: ‘At what point are you just a Nazi?’
