Selling Innocence (2016) – A Harrowing Dive into Digital Exploitation | Full Movie Review

Introduction

Selling Innocence (2016) is a gripping made-for-TV drama that exposes the terrifying reality of online predators and teen trafficking. Featuring a standout performance by Mimi Rogers (The X-Files, Mad Men), this Empress Movies production delivers a socially relevant thriller that’s both unsettling and critically important viewing for parents and teens alike.

Plot Summary (Without Spoilers)

The film follows Laura Hodges (Mimi Rogers), a tenacious social worker who uncovers a sophisticated online operation luring teenage girls into prostitution under the guise of modeling opportunities. When her own rebellious daughter Jess (Samantha Aucoin) becomes ensnared in the same web, Laura must navigate bureaucratic red tape and race against time to expose the criminal network before more girls disappear.

Key Elements That Make It Powerful

✔ Chillingly Relevant Subject Matter – Exposes how predators exploit social media and teenage vulnerabilities
✔ Mimi Rogers’ Career-Best TV Performance – She delivers raw intensity as the desperate mother
✔ Authentic Teen Perspectives – Samantha Aucoin perfectly captures adolescent naivety and rebellion
✔ Suspenseful Execution – Maintains tension without resorting to gratuitous violence

Critical Analysis

Strengths:

• Thought-provoking examination of digital grooming tactics
• Balanced portrayal of both victim and parent perspectives
• Satisfying procedural elements as investigators track the ring

Weaknesses:

• Some predictable “after-school special” moments
• Villains occasionally veer toward caricature
• Resolution feels slightly rushed

Viewer Considerations

⚠️ Content Warnings:

• Implied sexual exploitation (nothing graphic shown)
• Psychological manipulation scenes
• Intense parental distress sequences

Ideal Audience:

• Parents of teens (for awareness)
• Social workers/educators
• Fans of crime procedurals with social commentary

Comparison to Similar Films

While less graphic than Hard Candy (2005) and more accessible than Trust (2010), Selling Innocence finds its niche as an educational thriller. It shares DNA with Lifetime’s The Predator Next Door but with superior performances.

Final Verdict

⭐ 7.8/10 – An above-average TV movie that punches above its weight thanks to Rogers’ performance and timely subject matter. While not subtle, its message resonates.

Where to Stream

Available in full on Empress Movies, Tubi, and other free streaming platforms.

Want a deeper dive into the film’s research accuracy or talking points for parent-teen discussions? Let me know how I can enhance this review! 🔍