In an otherwise quaint American state in 2015, a story unfolded that left an indelible mark not only on the state’s conscience but on the nation’s—a story of pain, defiance, and an unyielding quest for justice. What began as a personal tragedy soon became a mirror reflecting society’s failure to protect its women. The Fire That Took Her delves into this haunting journey with unflinching honesty, chronicling a victim’s unimaginable plight and the system that let her down before delivering justice. 

Through powerful testimonies and archival footage, the documentary confronts a crime often seen in the world but rarely on the screen. Thankfully, it is available to stream on various digital platforms at present. 

The film follows Judy Malinowski, who lived for two years after being doused in gasoline and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend Michael Slager, before succumbing to her injuries. The effort, released in theatres in 2022 before its 2023 streaming debut on Paramount+, runs for approximately 90 minutes and features testimonies from Malinowski’s family and investigators. It is currently available to stream on the platform mentioned earlier and to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. 

Directed by Patricia E. Gillespie, the documentary has been widely acclaimed for its emotional depth and bone-chilling storytelling. Through real footage and courtroom recordings, Gillespie skillfully captured the Ohio-based mother of two, Judy Malinowski's courage as she testifies against her attacker from her hospital bed, marking a groundbreaking moment in legal history. Malinowski did not only fight for herself, though. Her case and her family’s advocacy led to the creation of a law centered in the state that witnessed her ordeal. 

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The law named after Judy Malinowski has been in place since 2017, acting as a shield for women against domestic abuse. 

Judy’s Law was signed into legislation in September 2017 to strengthen penalties when a perpetrator uses an accelerant or causes permanent disfigurement. The law mandates an additional six-year prison term on top of the existing sentence when such factors are present, and that extra time cannot be reduced under early-release programs. The act has since become a key precedent in Ohio for enhancing sentences in severe domestic-violence cases.

The Fire That Took Her, ultimately,  is more than a true-crime documentary. It is a sobering reminder of courage born from tragedy and the lasting power of justice fought for and won. Judy Malinowski’s voice continues to echo through the law that bears her name, protecting others from the fate she endured. For those without a Paramount+ subscription or preferring not to rent, though, Netflix also offers compelling true-crime stories that echo the same haunting pursuit of truth and accountability. 

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Will you be watching The Fire That Took Her soon? Let us know in the comments.