Is it too soon for the Gabby Petito Lifetime movie?

The tragic story of Gabby Petitois being portrayed by Lifetime network in its new film The Gabby Petito Story. The network has received backlash in response to its announcement. Photo: Thomas O’Neill/NurPhoto via AP.

NEW YORK CITY — Less than a year after the chaotic case of missing, then murdered 22-year-old Gabby Petito, Lifetime cable network (known for its-so-bad-that-its-sometimes-good movies) announced the upcoming release of its film The Gabby Petito Story, premiering Saturday, October 1. The movie was partly filmed in Salt Lake City and other Utah locations.

The film is part of Lifetime’s Stop Violence Against Women Campaign. The website states, “This initiative provides women with powerful platforms to share their stories and help affect change. Lifetime partners with organizations to spread awareness, empower women, and provide healing tools and support for women of all backgrounds.”

A simple Google search of the film returns headlines and social media posts railing against the Lifetime network. The central theme being that the network is taking advantage of the viral case. Especially while lawsuits and court cases surrounding the murder of Petito by her then-boyfriend/fiancé Brian Laundrie are still in process.

Petito was reported missing on September 11, 2021, after Laundrie returned home to Florida with Petito’s van and no Petito. The couple’s final weeks were spent exploring Utah’s national parks and Salt Lake City. Remains found in Grand Teton National Park were similar to Petito’s description on September 19; the remains were confirmed to be Petito on September 21.

One month later, on October 21, 2021, Laundrie’s remains were found, and later confirmed he died by suicide. His remains were found in Florida alongside a notebook claiming responsibility for the murder.

This August, Petito’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Moab police for “failing to properly investigate her domestic violence case and protect her.”