HBO announced today it’s latest original documentary today Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie. The film is directed by Irene Taylor (HBO’s Trees and Other Entanglements, I Am: Celine Dion) and debuts Sept. 22 on the network and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
While searching the internet, Hollywood veteran Marlee Matlin came upon the story of athlete Shelley Beattie – a fellow deaf woman whose life felt much like her own. Both women had experienced adventure and fame, but also discrimination, abuse and addiction while navigating a hearing world.
The documentary explores the parallels between the two women that uncovers a portrait of strength and struggle.
The film uses archival footage, home video, intimate interviews and Beattie’s personal artwork to convey her personality and voice. Matlin sought out Taylor to helm the film based on her previous works. Together, Taylor and Matlin uncovered Beattie’s story.
By bringing her story to light, Matlin and Taylor also shine a light on how the hearing world can be an isolating and cruel place for the Deaf community.
Beattie would compete as an IFBB professional bodybuilder winning the NPC USA Championship and consistent top 10 placings in IFBB Ms. International and Ms. Olympia. She starred as the character “Siren” on the popular reality competive show, American Gladiators.
Beneath the strong exterior was a troubled spirit.
The film traces Beattie’s early years and her challenges with deafness and growing up to break barriers in sports and media. The film also touches on her addiction and her advocacy for mental health awareness all before her death by suicide in 2008 at 39 years old.
Along with Matlin, the film features Beattie’s mother and siblings; friends, peers, life partner and coach John Romano; trainers; former American Gladiators; former Ms. Olympias; founding co-owner of Gold’s Gym, Ed Connors; 1992 America’s Cup winner, Bill Koch; and her girlfriend, Julie Moisa.
A version of Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie with American Sign Language (ASL) will also be available to stream on HBO Max alongside the documentary’s debut. This version is performed by ASL Dubber Angela “AV” Vilavong (The Way We Move, I Am: Celine Dion with ASL) and directed by Justin Jackerson (Wuthering Heights with ASL, House of the Dragon with ASL).
Watch the trailer below:
–Rich Lopez