Hillary Christian Review
When I pressed play on Hillary, Nanette Burstein’s ambitious four-hour documentary about Hillary Rodham Clinton, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A puff piece? A scathing indictment? Something safely straddling the middle? To my surprise, it was none of these and all of these at once. This isn’t just a series about a woman—however polarizing she might be—but about a country. About us. About what it means to be human in a world so often defined by inhumane pressures.
As I sat through each hour, I realized that Hillary is as much about the American psyche as it is about the life of the former First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and almost-President. It left me stirred, provoked, and, yes, even inspired. But let’s dive deeper because this documentary isn’t simple. And, as Christians, neither should our reflections be.
Beyond a Name: A Mirror for a Nation
Let’s start here: Hillary is not just a biography. It’s a cultural autopsy. From her days as a young Wellesley graduate boldly speaking at commencement, to her controversial tenure as First Lady and her gut-wrenching loss in 2016, Hillary’s life is reframed as a study in resilience and resistance. What struck me wasn’t just the footage of her navigating decades of criticism but the wider questions the series forces us to ask: What do we expect from women in leadership? Why do we instinctively recoil from ambition when it’s tied to a female voice?
These are hard questions. They’re uncomfortable questions. And for Christians, they’re essential. Scripture teaches us to honor the Imago Dei—the image of God—in every person (Genesis 1:27). But watching Hillary, I couldn’t help but think of how easily we forget this. How easily our biases, shaped by culture and comfort zones, allow us to tear someone down without remembering their humanity.
Joy and Pain: A Life in Extremes
One of the documentary’s most captivating elements is its emotional range. It moves seamlessly between joy and pain, often without warning. We see Hillary as a bright-eyed college student, unapologetically idealistic. We see her as a mother, awkwardly balancing public expectations with private life. And, of course, we see her as a candidate, battered and embattled, every step scrutinized.
There’s something biblical in this arc—a kind of Ecclesiastes “season for everything” quality (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Life is rarely one thing. For Hillary, triumph and tragedy exist side by side, sometimes even in the same breath. It’s a reminder, I think, that no life—ours included—is without its valleys.
The Feminist Lens: Progress and Backlash
One of Hillary’s boldest moves is its unabashed exploration of feminism. Through Clinton’s journey, the series captures America’s struggle to reconcile its ideals with its reality. In theory, we celebrate equality. In practice, not so much.
The documentary doesn’t just frame Hillary as a feminist icon; it positions her as a symbol of what happens when women challenge entrenched systems of power. This may be where Christian viewers feel tension. After all, feminism and faith have sometimes been uneasy companions. Yet, as I watched, I was reminded of how Jesus elevated women in a culture that marginalized them. Whether it was His conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4) or His defense of Mary’s choice to sit at His feet (Luke 10:38-42), Christ’s actions were radical in their affirmation of women’s dignity and agency.
For Christians, this part of Hillary isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a challenge. Are we truly living out the inclusivity and respect modeled by Jesus?
The Weight of Bias
What lingers most after watching Hillary isn’t just the history or the politics; it’s the relentless weight of bias. From the “likability” debates to the critiques of her voice and demeanor, Clinton’s career becomes a case study in how society views ambitious women.
For me, this was deeply convicting. How often do we, even unintentionally, judge others—especially women—by arbitrary standards? In James 2:1-4, we’re warned against showing favoritism or making judgments based on external factors. Watching Hillary made me reflect on how often I’ve failed to live up to that standard, letting biases shape my opinions instead of truth or grace.
A Portrait in Resilience
If there’s one thread that ties this documentary together, it’s resilience. Love her or hate her, Hillary Clinton’s ability to endure decades of public scrutiny is nothing short of remarkable. And while the series doesn’t shy away from her flaws—there’s plenty of critique here—it also highlights her strength.
As Christians, resilience is something we’re called to cultivate. Paul writes in Romans 5:3-5 about how suffering produces perseverance, character, and ultimately hope. Watching Hillary navigate her losses, particularly the devastating 2016 election, reminded me of this passage. It’s not about glossing over pain but finding purpose within it.
Not Without Flaws
For all its strengths, Hillary isn’t perfect. The documentary leans heavily on its subject’s perspective, sometimes glossing over more contentious parts of her legacy. And while the inclusion of criticism—both from Clinton’s detractors and allies—adds depth, it’s clear that Burstein’s goal is ultimately sympathetic.
For viewers expecting a more detached analysis, this might be frustrating. But as a Christian, I found this bias interesting. It reminded me of how we often approach people in our own lives: with preconceived notions, shaped by affection or animosity. Perhaps the documentary’s partiality is a mirror, challenging us to examine our own biases, not just toward Hillary but toward anyone we’re quick to judge.
Redemption in the Details
What surprised me most about Hillary was its subtle redemptive quality. No, this isn’t a Christian film. But there’s a sense of hope woven through its narrative—a belief that even in failure, there’s value. The series ends not with triumph but with a quiet resilience, a reminder that loss isn’t the end of the story.
For Christians, this theme of redemption is central to our faith. Whether it’s Peter’s restoration after denying Christ (John 21:15-19) or Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle, the Bible is full of stories where God brings beauty from brokenness. Watching Hillary, I couldn’t help but see echoes of this truth.
Final Thoughts
Hillary isn’t an easy watch. It’s provocative, emotional, and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. But it’s also necessary. Whether you admire Hillary Clinton or find her politics challenging, this documentary invites us to look deeper—not just at her but at ourselves.
As Christians, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how we engage with culture, politics, and people. Are we extending grace, even to those we disagree with? Are we challenging our biases, as Christ challenges ours? And are we living out the truth that every person, regardless of their past or politics, is made in the image of God?
For these reasons, I give Hillary an 8/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful. And in a world desperate for understanding and empathy, that’s no small thing.
