The Bad Guardian

The Bad Guardian
Directed byClaudia Myers
Written byAshley Gable
Produced byRobert Tinnell
Jeffrey Tinnell
StarringMelissa Joan Hart
La La Anthony
Luis Bordonada
CinematographyFrancisco Bulgarelli
Production
company
Allegheny Image Factory
Release date
  • 2024 (2024)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Bad Guardian is a 2024 drama film directed by Claudia Myers. The movie draws from real-life accounts of guardianship abuse to tell the story of Leigh, a woman fighting to free her elderly father from a corrupt court-appointed guardian who seizes control of his finances, medical decisions, and property.[1][2][3]

In March 2026, the film appeared as the #4 movie on Netflix.[4]

Cast

Production

Produced by Allegheny Image Factory, the film was shot entirely in West Virginia, with scenes taking place in Fairmont, Mannington, and Shinnston.[5][6]

The film's executive producer, Elizabeth Stephen, developed the project after researching real-life accounts of guardianship abuse.[7]

References

  1. ^ Blackwood, Emily (March 17, 2026). "Is The Bad Guardian Based on a True Story? What to Know About the Real-Life Accounts of Guardianship Abuse That Inspired the Movie". Retrieved March 21, 2026.
  2. ^ "Lifetime movie "The Bad Guardian" based on real accounts of guardianship abuse". Yahoo News. 2024-05-17. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  3. ^ Hibberd, James (2024-03-01). "'Bad Guardian': Lifetime to Tackle Guardianship Debate With Melissa Joan Hart, La La Anthony". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  4. ^ Young, Maria. "Two W.Va. Based Films Hit Netflix Most Watched List". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  5. ^ "West Virginia production company sees two films among top movies on Netflix". WV News. 2026-03-18. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  6. ^ Rather, Joey (2024-05-21). "Film shot almost entirely in Marion County now available on streaming". WBOY.com. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  7. ^ Walser, Adam (2024-05-17). "Lifetime movie "The Bad Guardian" based on real accounts of guardianship abuse". Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS). Retrieved 2026-04-09.