Citizen Rose

Citizen Rose is a gripping and pioneering reality television show that aired on E! in 2018. It is a limited docu-series featuring five parts, each lasting about an hour. The series is an inspiring portrayal of Rose McGowan's journey as an activist and a whistle-blower against sexual harassment within the entertainment industry.

Rose McGowan, an actress, activist, and author, who garnered prominence in the 90s with her roles in films like Scream, Charmed, and Jawbreaker, takes centre stage in Citizen Rose. McGowan bravely uses this platform to deliver her honest narrative of the adaptation in her career, all amidst her personal rebellions and crusades against ingrained societal norms and institutionalized misconduct. Viewers get an authentic look into a rich life that balances belonging in the film industry, while persistently challenging it's most damaging conventions.

Citizen Rose was exclusively launched during a time wherein numerous women were standing against the sexual misconduct plaguing Hollywood, a phase broadly described as the #MeToo movement. McGowan stood tall among these brave women, having accused Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. These claims became a global conversation about abuse, power, and complicity, drawing attention to the often-overlooked elements of the entertainment industry.

Citizen Rose isn’t just about telling Rose McGowan's own story, but it works towards tapping into the larger Zeitgeist, offering a platform for discussions arising from the wider social movement for equality, justice and respect. Fueled by the strength and defiance of Rose, Citizen Rose highlights the struggle for survival and the need for systemic change. The care with which the harrowing scenes are balanced by healing moments makes this a must-watch series that conveys a powerful message.

The first episode, a full two-hour documentary, sets the tone for what the audience can expect from the remainder of the series. It follows her preparation for the release of her memoir, “Brave,” and as she gets ready to make her voice heard at the Women's Convention in Detroit. McGowan's story is alternatively presented with personal video footage that she herself recorded over the last years. The private footage gives an intimate, unfiltered glimpse into McGowan's life before, during, and after her public announcement.

Citizen Rose is not a story about victimhood, rather it is about rising above the victim mentality and transforming into a hero. Rose's aim is clear throughout the series: encourage socio-cultural change by inspiring people to be brave and speak out against injustice. She challenges the narrative of passive acceptance, instituting herself as a warrior fighting against sexism and misogyny.

While an undeniably raw and intense journey, the series maintains a delicate balance between intensity and healing, resistance and acceptance. There are moments of dining with friends, laughing, and engaging with her art while also rallying against the culture of silence in Hollywood that enabled sexual abuse for so long.

The series is also distinctive in its style of storytelling. It rejects traditional, linear storylines in favor of something more authentic and fluid. Footage of her daily life, clips from her acting career, emotional interviews, and speeches at public engagements harmoniously co-exist to create a collage of Rose McGowan's life and activism. This style adds to the authenticity and rawness of the project, mirroring Rose's personal journey of confrontation, acceptance, and growth.

Citizen Rose is a bursting conduit of vulnerability and courage, a noteworthy discourse on the society we live in, and the silent culture in certain sections that has been paralyzing the voices of many. The series is as much an introspection as it is a public call for action. It serves to acknowledge McGowan's strength, resilience, and conviction whilst showcasing her trauma, fears, and her fight to dismiss the old narrative. A must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary socio-cultural movements, Citizen Rose is an emotionally charged, empowering, and motivating watch.

In all, Citizen Rose marks a pivotal moment in television, offering an unprecedented, reality-based view into an explosive cultural shift that continues to unfurl. The show is a direct challenge to the showbiz establishment, imploring both the entertainment industry and society at large to approach systemic issues with courage, honesty, and dignity.