Tell Them You Love Me
4 September 2024

Tell Them You Love Me (2023)

Tell Them You Love Me explores the story of Anna Stubblefield, a university professor who became embroiled in a controversial affair with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal man with cerebral palsy.

The relationship, and the trial that followed, would become one of the most complex and divisive criminal cases in recent times, challenging our perceptions of disability and the nature of consent. It would raise questions about Anna’s motivations and the validity of the relationship itself. Through exclusive footage and interviews with those on both sides of the case, this feature documentary weaves a riveting and nuanced story about communication, race, and sex.

Executive produced by Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning documentarian Louis Theroux, Tell Them You Love Me holds a rare 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with wins at Sedona, Impact Docs, Montclair and the Hamptons International Film Festival for director-producer Nick August-Perna. 

In their 4/5-star reviews, The Guardian said, “This chilling documentary is vital, challenging TV.”

More like this

The People vs VBS on Showmax

Must-watch trailer: The People vs VBS explores South Africa’s biggest bank heist

The People vs VBS is IdeaCandy's true-crime docuseries on South Africa’s biggest bank heist. On Showmax from 25 March and on M-Net from 2 April.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Brakpan Chronicles S1 is on Showmax

Brakpan Chronicles S1

What is true about the town of Brakpan and what is fiction? Do the jokes about this place have any basis in reality? In this two-part documentary, we aim to find the real Brakpan, the place that exists beyond the memes.

OriginalMade in South Africa
iThonga S1 on Showmax

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced

Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Made in South Africa
Billy Joel: And So It Goes is on Showmax

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)

An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

First
Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay on Showmax

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1

Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

First
Brakpan Chronicles on Showmax

Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in

The two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, by Rian van Heerden and Provoco, will premiere soon on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Wizkid Long Love Lagos on Showmax

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)

This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.

FirstMade in Nigeria
Law and Order: Toronto Criminal Intent S2 on Showmax

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent S1-2

This spin-off of the hit crime drama franchise follows an elite squad investigating corruption and high-level white-collar crime in Greater Toronto.

Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax

Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa